Ricky Duran of “The Voice” Fame Headlines Pet Rock Fest 2024

PET ROCK FESTIVAL

www.petrockfest.org

Press Release

September, 2024

Contact: Charlene Arsenault              RELEASE UPON RECEIPT

508-832-8918, 508-736-77078

petrockfest@gmail.com

Jeannie Hebert

508-981-5782

Jhebert@blackstonevalley.org 

Ricky Duran of “The Voice” Fame Headlines This Year’s Pet Rock Festival

New England’s biggest animal welfare festival returns to its new home in Lancaster, bigger and better than ever

LANCASTER, MA — A hometown favorite returns to Massachusetts to headline Pet Rock Fest 2024 on Sunday, Oct. 6, at Lancaster Fairgrounds in Lancaster (Home of the Bolton Fair!). Ricky Duran leads the musical lineup this year, which also includes performances by the Office Party Band, Petty Larceny and Vivi and DaFunk. 

Duran garnered international attention with his soulful vocals, fiery guitar playing and compelling performances on NBC’s “The Voice.” The Season 17 Runner-Up has since released a full album, "Space & Time," which charted at No. 1 on iTunes. The 33-year-old Worcester native and graduate of Berklee School of Music is a versatile artist with powerful vocals and an electrifying stage presence that entertains crowds all over the country. 

"I was really excited to be asked to headline The Pet Rock Festival this year,” says Duran. “All they do to help end animal cruelty and help in animal welfare is very honorable. I adopted my cat several years ago and I think of him like a child. I am a huge animal lover and supporter of Pet Rock Festival. I hope to see everyone there!"

The 26th Annual Pet Rock Festival, sponsored by MA Homes, LLC, is taking place on Sunday, Oct. 6, at Lancaster Fairgrounds in Lancaster, MA, from noon to 5 p.m. Tickets are $15 adults, $5 children under 12, available at the gate (Pet Rock Fest also accepts Venmo and Paypal payment for admission—a QR code will be available at the admissions gate). 

That’s right, puppies and kittens. Organizers have secured and confirmed an amazing venue for the 26th annual festival–and this location will likely become our forever home. 

“We’re not going to pretend this hasn’t been a struggle,” says Pet Rock Fest founding partner Charlene Arsenault. “We’re beyond excited to be back, and at an amazing new location. It made us wonder why we hadn’t locked in this venue sooner!”  

Jeannie Hebert, Pet Rock Fest founding partner, adds, “We are so thrilled to have finally found the perfect home to continue the fun and fundraising for Pet Rock Fest. Lancaster Fairgrounds has welcomed us with open arms, and it couldn’t be a better site. Looking forward to seeing our human and furry friends on Oct. 6.”

Pet Rock Fest continues to put the spotlight on the animal welfare organizations of New England that work tirelessly to promote kindness to animals.  

Located in the heart of Massachusetts close to several main arteries (including Routes 2 and 140), the venue is easily accessible from points east, west, north and south. Also, the venue offers an expansive, grassy, fenced-in event area, several pavilions, a barn, a pond, and hundreds of parking spaces right on the premises. It is ideal for both people and animals.

We’re back with all of our popular attractions and more-including: K9 demos; dog activities hosted by CMDART; the Fursuiters, a massive raffle, the Pups In The Air disc dog team; the Rescue Groups and Shelters Pet Parade; kids activities, cat photo contest; book signings, annual Pet Rock Hero awards; speakers; amateur dog contest; vegetarian food court; animal mascots, doggie massages, demonstrations, free and low-cost microchipping and rabies shots from VCA; a doggie water park; photos of your pets; animal-friendly vendors; animal welfare organizations; and, most importantly, hundreds of nonprofit groups devoted to animal welfare causes. 

Local nonprofit VegFest New England continues to partner with Pet Rock Fest to host its food court, packed with offerings from amazing vegan restaurants and food vendors. Originally called VegWorcester, VegFest hosts New England Vegfest, a free annual festival celebrating animal-friendly, environmentally sustainable, and healthy lifestyles. This nonprofit dedicated to animal lovers was an easy fit to complement the mission of the Pet Rock Festival. 

Pet Rock Fest updates its website with event schedules, attractions, vendors and sponsors. The nonprofit gives its proceeds to worthy animal-related charities that support various causes, from shelters to law reform to farm animal sanctuaries. Thus far, Pet Rock Fest has issued more than a half million dollars to these animal organizations. 

Anyone interested in volunteering for or taking part in the festival in any way (including vendors and sponsors) should contact petrockfest@gmail.com. 

For updates on the plans for the event, groups signed up to attend, and other official or not-so-official news, visit petrockfest.org or check us out on Facebook at  https://www.facebook.com/petrockfest and on Twitter @Petrockfestival.

Celebrating more than 25 years, Pet Rock Fest is the largest event of its kind in the Northeast, an annual festival that promotes kindness to animals and responsible pet ownership. Pet Rock Fest, held in the fall of each year, is a family festival that features guest speakers, vegetarian food, live music, games, events, a raffle, vendors, and hundreds of area animal welfare organizations. Pet Rock is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization. Donations are tax-deductible.

Senate to take up legislation removing breed restrictions from consideration in DCF foster placements

All good pups can be a family's best friend, regardless of breed

(BOSTON—9/25/2024) On Thursday, Sept. 26, the Massachusetts Senate will take up legislation to ensure families can foster a child regardless of the breed of dog in the foster home.

Under the new law, the Department of Children and Families would consider factors such as a pet's history of dangerous behavior and their health records, instead of a pet's breed. Currently, a family who is thinking of adopting cannot do so if they own breeds including Rottweilers, Pit Bulls, German Shepherds, or a dog which mixes at least two of these three breeds.

According to the American Association for the Advancement of Science, a dog's breed is a poor predictor of behavior, and is uninformative with regard to how easily a dog is provoked by something frightening or uncomfortable.

According to 2021 census data, nearly one in every three households (30%) in Massachusetts has a dog. Boston ranked eleventh nationally among metro areas with the highest pet ownership ranks, with 38.7% of households owning a pet.

The legislation also clarifies that human service workers are able to report instances of animal abuse when acting in their professional capacity.

H.4911, An Act relative to animal welfare and reporting of animal cruelty, abuse or neglect, was previously passed by the House of Representatives in July 2024. The Senate’s version of the legislation that will be taken up on Thursday makes only non-substantive technical changes to the House-passed version of the legislation.

The Senate's Thursday session will begin at 11:00 a.m. EDT, and be streamed live at malegislature.gov/Events/Sessions/Detail/5006.

Governor Healey Signs Bill Protecting Animal Welfare

Boston, MA — Governor Maura Healey signed An Act regulating the use of elephants, big cats, primates, giraffes and bears in traveling exhibits and shows, becoming the sixth state in the nation to pass similar legislation. This legislation bans the use of elephants, lions, giraffes and other animals in traveling acts like circuses.  

“For years, circuses have harmed the welfare of animals for the sake of entertainment, allowing animals to suffer in poor living conditions and stressful environments,” said Governor Healey. “I’m thankful to the Legislature for taking the steps needed to prevent this kind of animal mistreatment in Massachusetts.” 

“Here in Massachusetts, we believe in protecting those who can’t protect themselves, and that extends to animals,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This law protects animals from inhumane mistreatment and ensures that Massachusetts has safer and more humane animal welfare.” 

In recent years, major exhibits and shows have trended away from including these kinds of animals. Known for incredibly harmful conditions, circuses and traveling shows routinely harm the animals they’re showcasing. This is why the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey no longer exhibit live animals, the Topsfield Fair stopped displaying elephants after a municipal ban in 2019, and King Richard’s Faire ended its exotic cat show in 2020.  

Effective January 1, 2025, this bill prohibits traveling acts, like circuses, carnivals and fairs, from using certain animals, including lions, tigers, bears, elephants, giraffes, and primates, for entertainment. Exceptions to the law include animals that live at the zoo; the use of animals in filming movies; and non-exotic animals like horses, chickens, pigs, and rabbits can continue to be exhibited. 

Authority has been given to the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife to adopt rules implementing the prohibition, and the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) and state and local law enforcement officers are authorized to enforce the prohibition, which carries civil penalties of $500 to $10,000 per animal. 

“Some of the most majestic creatures on our planet should not be treated inhumanely simply for profit or entertainment,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “Today with the Governor’s signature, we codify that important principle into law, and make sure that when we see these creatures, we do so in places that reflect their natural environments. I thank the Governor for her signature, Minority Leader Tarr for his leadership, my colleagues in the Senate, and our partners in the House for their work to get this done.” 

“While circuses can be a source of entertainment and joy for our residents, we must prevent animals from being abused or otherwise mistreated whenever we can. That’s why these reforms are so important,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “I want to thank Chair Fiola and my colleagues in the House, along with our partners in the Senate, for guiding this bill through the legislative process. Finally, I’m grateful to Governor Healey for signing this important legislation into law.” 

“The passage of this bill continues our state's leadership on animal welfare issues, and will protect these elephants, big cats, giraffes and others from the hardships and adversity involved in traveling from place to place for shows. Importantly, the bill preserves the opportunity for meaningful human interaction at facilities designed for that purpose on a permanent basis,” said Senate Minority Leader Senator Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester).  “Thanks to the many stakeholders and legislators who have collaborated on the long legislative journey this bill has traveled to become law.” 

“Massachusetts has long been a leader in promoting animal welfare by enacting laws to protect animals from abuse and neglect, but most of our current laws apply to domestic animals and common household pets.” House Minority Leader Representative Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading). “This new law will extend these same protections to exotic animals that are used in traveling exhibits and shows. These animals are often subject to cruel and inhumane treatment, including prolonged periods of confinement and other forms of neglect and abuse, all to provide entertainment. While several communities in the Commonwealth have already implemented local bans, a statewide ban on traveling animal acts is long overdue.” 

“Having witnessed the overwhelming evidence and strong public sentiment against the use of wild animals in traveling acts, I am proud to see this crucial legislation enacted," said

Representative Carole A. Fiola (D-Bristol). "As a sponsor of this bill, it has been a profound responsibility and privilege to champion significant change. With over two-thirds of Massachusetts voters supporting the ban on wild animal acts, it's clear that our constituents demanded an end to animal exploitation for entertainment. This legislation not only reflects that collective desire but also reinforces our state's commitment to the humane treatment of all animals." 

Statements of Support

Preyel Patel, Massachusetts State Director for the Humane Society of the United States: “The Humane Society of the United States is grateful to Governor Healey for signing this bill into law and putting an end to the use of big cats, bears, nonhuman primates, giraffes and elephants in cruel traveling shows in Massachusetts. After over two decades of dedicated advocacy, this crucial law will protect countless wild animals from abusive exploitation and harm. We are proud to have worked alongside numerous organizations, dedicated advocates, and compassionate, committed legislators throughout this long journey to do the right thing for animals.”  

Liz Magner, Animal Advocacy Specialist: “The MSPCA is thrilled that Governor Healey signed into law today An Act relative to the use of elephants, big cats, primates, giraffes, and bears in traveling exhibits and shows, informally known as the Circus Bill, legislation sponsored by Representatives Bradley Jones and Carole Fiola and Senators Bruce Tarr and Adam Gomez. This victory is two decades in the making and is the result of tireless advocacy by Massachusetts legislators, animal protection organizations, and local advocates—all of whom never gave up. Now, our state will no longer be a participant in the dangerous and inhumane traveling exotic animal acts industry. We’d like to dedicate this achievement to Beulah, an Asian elephant who was taken from her family at a young age and who would spend a lifetime in captivity until her death at a Massachusetts fair in 2019. Thank you again to all of those who helped make this law possible.” 

Melanie Lary, Research and Campaigns Manager for FOUR PAWS in the U.S.: "After so many years of non-stop dedication and perseverance by Massachusetts animal lovers, animal welfare organizations like ours, and caring state legislators, FOUR PAWS USA is thrilled to witness the end of the exploitation of these captive wild animals for entertainment in MA! This important legal step shows that animals’ and their well being matter – their lives and how we treat them and coexist with them matters. 

Allison Blanck, Director of Advocacy, Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL): “With the signing into law of this prohibition on traveling animal acts, Massachusetts reaffirms its commitment to prevent cruelty to all animals in its borders.”   

Stephanie Harris, Senior Legislative Manager for the Animal Legal Defense Fund: “We are grateful to the Governor and Massachusetts Legislature for this major gain for animals. The Commonwealth will no longer play a role in holding wild animal captive for the purpose of traveling shows – forced to spend most of their days in cramped, barren cages, and deprived of the ability to engage in their natural behaviors.” 

Leslie Luppino, President, Berkshire Voters for Animals: “Berkshire Voters for Animals is thrilled that H.4915, An Act relative to the use of elephants, big cats, primates, giraffes, and bears in traveling exhibits and shows, has finally passed the Massachusetts legislature and has been signed by Governor Healey. We want to thank our Berkshire legislators for their support of this bill.”