Over 150 farm animals up for free adoption after large Western Mass. surrender
After an influx of more than 140 animals into its care from a large surrender case, the MSPCA is set to offer free adoptions for dozens of pigs, goats, chickens and fowl this coming weekend.
The animals from the large intake originated from a single property in Franklin County. A previously surrendered filly named Astrid, who was in 'dire need of medical attention' back in March, also came from this property, the MSPCA indicated.
In total, 147 animals — ranging in species from pigs, to goats, chickens, geese, ducks, cattle, horses, donkeys and dogs, were removed from the Franklin County property on April 16, according to the MSPCA-Angell.
The animals were officially surrendered by their previous owner on April 22. An investigation is also ongoing against the owner, the MSPCA noted.
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Some of the animals have since given birth, raising their total number to more than 150.
The large intake has ballooned the animal population at the MSPCA's Nevins Farm location in Methuen to more than 300 animals, the organization said, adding that capacity is now 'stretched thin.'
'This was a massive undertaking — we took in an entire farm at one time and moved it to Nevins," Mike Keiley, the vice president of the MSPCA-Angell's Animal Protection Division, said in a statement.
Keiley said it was 'all hands on deck' to move and resettle the animals, but that the MSPCA-Angell is 'uniquely positioned' to help in a situation such as this.
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'We're really the only local organization that can help with this kind of huge intake,' Keiley said. 'Bringing in close to a dozen different species, including cattle and horses, and housing them is incredibly complicated.'
Keiley credited the MSPCA's 'staffing and expertise' with helping to make the operation work, despite the strain on resources to carry it through and to continue the animals' care.
'We need to find homes for a lot of these animals and fast,' Keiley emphasized.
'We typically see more cases of neglect in turbulent economic times and, given what we're already seeing with the increasing costs of hay and feed, I expect more animals will need to come to Nevins soon, whether through owner surrender or related to Law Enforcement cases,' Keiley added.
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Adopting out animals currently in the MSPCA's care is the main way the group will be able to care for more incoming animals in need, according to Keiley.
Keiley estimated that the cost to care for Astrid, the Percheron filly, as well as the other animals has already cost the MSPCA roughly $25,000.
Astrid required more than a week of hospitalization, but has since been released, and is expected to soon be available to adopt.
Those who wish to donate to offset the costs of Astrid and the other animals' care can do so on the MSPCA's website.
To incentivize adoptions on Saturday, June 7, and Sunday, June 8, fees to adopt pigs, goats, chickens and fowl will be waived at Nevins Farm.
The MSPCA said these free adoptions can amount to a savings of up to $400, which the group encourages new owners to put toward their animals' care.
Keiley said the MSPCA's goal is to adopt out 'about 120 animals in just two days.'
Those interested in adopting animals for free this weekend can learn more on the MSPCA's website. Registration is recommend, but not required to participate.
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