By Colneth Smiley Jr.
Photo by MSPCA
Gov. Deval Patrick hopes to lick pet poisonings
Gov. Deval Patrick showed some real puppy love yesterday at the MSPCA, where he signed a law to embitter the taste of antifreeze.
The engine coolant has a sweet taste “that makes it palatable to family pets and children,” according to Brian Adams, spokesman for the MSPCA. It’s estimated that at least 90,000 domestic and wild animals are poisoned each year by antifreeze.
“Animals affected by antifreeze rarely live once poisoned,” Adams said. “Dogs that ingest it need to be treated in four to eight hours before they become ill. But even after treatment, chances are they will die in one to three days.”
Massachusetts is the 13th state to pass the antifreeze bill, which is scheduled to go into effect next year.
A supporter of the MSPCA, Patrick visited a host of homeless dogs, offering each potential pet a treat and some affection. 
