Thanks Sue & Liz. I live in Mass. and knew this was definitley NOT allowed here. I must say this is a state that is very proactive in fighting for the rights of animals. The laws are very strict re: ownership, such as the number of dogs permitted per household, leash laws, low cost spay and neuter programs, lots of educational programs, and the animal control officer is always on patrol and very vigiliant re: watching homes where abuse is suspected. They do not hesitate to pull an animal out of a home where abuse is suspected. And we have a very high adoption rate at shelters. I'm so glad this boy is ok!!!!!