The Massachusetts society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ Angell Animal Medical Center (MSPCA-Angell) is conducting an inquiry after a Franklin County resident surrendered a large number of animals. The case highlights the complexities of animal welfare and the resources required to manage such situations.

Mass Surrender: A Closer Look

On April 16, MSPCA-Angell staff removed 147 animals from a single property in Franklin County. The owner formally surrendered the animals on April 22. The menagerie included a diverse range of species:

• Pigs
• Goats
• Chickens
• Geese
• Ducks
• Cattle
• Horses
• Donkeys
• Dogs

As the initial surrender, some of the animals have given birth, bringing the total number to over 150. All animals have been relocated to Nevins Farm in Methuen.

Investigation Underway

MSPCA-Angell has not released specific details about the former owner or the exact location of the property, citing an ongoing investigation by MSPCA Law Enforcement. Sara-Rose Brenner, Senior Public Relations Manager at MSPCA-angell, indicated that more information may be released at a later date.Chris Schindler, MSPCA law Enforcement Director, confirmed the active investigation in a recent interview.

Prior Involvement

This is not the frist interaction between the MSPCA and this individual. In March, the owner surrendered Astrid, an emaciated 2-year-old Percheron filly, as part of a separate MSPCA investigation. A March 24 Facebook post by MSPCA-Angell detailed Astrid’s condition.

Kaycie McCarthy, MSPCA-Angell Equine and Farm Animal outreach and Rescue Manager, described Astrid’s condition:

Astrid was emaciated and had sores on her body, indicating she was on the ground “for a prolonged period of time.”

Astrid received treatment for pneumonia and parasites at tufts University’s Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine before being transferred to Nevins Farm for recovery.

MSPCA Law Enforcement: How it effectively works

While declining to comment on the specifics of the current Franklin county case, Mr. Schindler provided insight into the operations of MSPCA Law enforcement.The department consists of six officers who respond to animal cruelty investigations across the state, often collaborating with local police departments.

Regarding animal surrenders, Mr. Schindler explained the voluntary nature of the process:

there are some cases in which owners, through part of the investigation, make a proactive decision to surrender animals. On the other side of that is if it’s a case in which we need to pursue a search warrant and seize the animals,there is a legal process which takes place so the animals – they’ll be in our custody – still remain in the ownership of the person [that] they were seized from.
Chris Schindler, MSPCA Law Enforcement Director

Mr. Schindler emphasized that not every reported case is criminal and encouraged concerned individuals to report any animal welfare issues, highlighting the anonymous reporting option available on the MSPCA website.

Adoption Event at Nevins Farm

To alleviate overcrowding at Nevins Farm, adoption fees for pigs, goats, chickens, and fowl will be waived on Saturday, June 7, and Sunday, June 8.Mike Keiley, vice president of the MSPCA-Angell’s Animal Protection Division, stated the goal is to adopt out at least 120 animals to create space for new intakes.

Obviously, following that kind of intake, our resources are really being pushed to the brink.
Mike Keiley, vice president of the MSPCA-Angell’s Animal Protection division

Mr. Keiley estimates that caring for the roughly 150 animals, including astrid, has already cost the MSPCA approximately $25,000.

Event Details

Nevins Farm’s adoption hours this weekend are from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. both days, and will take place at the farm at 400 Broadway in Methuen. Advance registration is requested and more information is available at tinyurl.com/y5k7xen5.