Governor accuses zoos of scare tactics

BOSTON, July 13 (UPI) -- Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick says two Greater Boston zoos are using scare tactics to get the state to give them more money.

Patrick responded Sunday to warnings from Zoo New England officials that budget cuts would close Franklin Park Zoo in Dorchester and Stone Zoo in Stoneham with as many as 20 percent of the animals at risk of being euthanized.

Patrick, in a statement through his office, accused zoo officials of inaccurate and incendiary information, The Boston Globe reported Monday.

"There will be no consideration given to euthanizing any animals under

the state's watch," said Joe Landolfi, Patrick's director of communications, noting new homes would be found for the animals if the zoos were to close.

Zoo officials declined to comment.

Last month, Patrick reduced annual funding for the two zoos to $2.5 million -- a 61-percent cut. Last week, zoo officials said they likely would close the zoos by October if more money is not assured for the coming year, the Globe reported.

In all, the two zoos employ 165 full-time workers and have 1,300 animals, including gorillas, tigers, capybaras and peacocks.