Latest news with #MikeKeiley
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Franklin County farm owner surrenders nearly 150 animals following investigation
METHUEN, Mass. (WWLP) – An investigation is ongoing as more than 140 animals from a property in Franklin County were surrendered. In a news release sent to 22News from MSPCA-Angell, a total of 147 animals, consisting of pigs, goats, chickens, geese, ducks, cattle, horses, donkeys, and dogs, were removed on April 16, and some have since given birth. The number of animals has put a strain on the non-profit organization. Ironman triathlon to bring thousands of athletes to Springfield area Due to the influx of animals at MSPCA, this weekend, the animal shelter is waiving the adoption fees for more than 100 of these animals, including pigs, goats, farm birds, and a young horse who was previously surrendered. 'This was a massive undertaking—we took in an entire farm at one time and moved it to Nevins,' said Mike Keiley, vice president of the MSPCA-Angell's Animal Protection Division. 'Obviously, following that kind of intake, our resources are really being pushed to the brink.' 'We need to find homes for a lot of these animals, and fast,' Keiley added. '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.' The adoptathon is being held on June 7 and 8 from 12:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Nevins Farm, located on 400 Broadway in Methuen. Online registration, additional information, and donation details can be found at 'We're fortunate to have both the staffing and expertise to make it work, not to mention the equipment needed to move so many animals at once, as well as the space they all need to thrive,' Keiley said. 'All told, we're hoping to adopt out about 120 animals in just two days. It's a huge goal, but it's what we need to do in order to be there for the next animals who need us.' WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Massachusetts animal hospital to perform life-saving surgery on homeless puppy
PITTSFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – A homeless puppy living at the Berkshire Humane Society is scheduled to undergo life-saving surgery. In a news release sent to 22News from the MSPCA, Ekko is a four-month-old Pit Bull Terrier mix who has severe pulmonary valve stenosis, a condition that could result in congestive heart failure. It was discovered after he was transferred from the Pittsfield animal shelter to the MSPCA-Angell's care on March 21st. Dakin Humane Society in Springfield awarded large grant for facility upgrade 'Ekko came to us from Berkshire Humane [Society], one of our MASS partners,' explained Vice President of the MSPCA-Angell's Animal Protection Division, Mike Keiley. 'He had a 5/6 heart murmur, so it was clear he needed advanced care that's really hard to get in that area.' To save his life, Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston will perform a balloon valvuloplasty to allow for normal blood flow on Wednesday. The procedure is expected to cost more than $10,000. If you would like to donate, visit 'There are risks associated with the surgery, as there are with any surgery, but forgoing the procedure is like leaving a ticking time bomb in Ekko's chest,' said Keiley. 'He'll be in the best possible hands at Angell—from the skilled surgeons to the experienced anesthesiologists and the amazing support staff needed for monitoring.' Ekko will be available for adoption following his recovery. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
44 rabbits rescued from Bristol County up for adoption
BOSTON (WPRI) — More than 40 rabbits removed from a Bristol County home earlier this year are searching for their forever homes, according to the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA). MSPCA-Angell's Mike Keiley said the 44 rabbits were surrendered by their former owner, who is facing animal cruelty charges. Keiley said the rabbits were 'subjected to unsanitary conditions.' 'Despite their previous situation, the rabbits are really sweet,' Keiley said. 'We know that many people are thinking about bunnies given how close we are to Easter, so we're putting out a call to them: If you're considering adopting a rabbit, now's the time, despite what some persistent internet myths may suggest.' Keiley said those myths about rabbit adoptions around Easter can negatively impact their chances of finding their forever homes. 'There's this misguided belief that people who want to adopt rabbits around Easter aren't actually committed to caring for them and will just end up abandoning them outside or surrendering them to a shelter,' Keiley said. 'People who are considering getting a rabbit often think about doing so now, just given the season, and there's no shame in that.' 'We want people to come in and adopt because they'll still talk to an adoption counselor to see if a rabbit is a good fit for their family, and we don't see them being surrendered at higher rates,' he continued. 'In our experience, the myths and the stigmas those create are actually more harmful to rabbits than anything about the time of year they're adopted, just like black cat adoptions around Halloween.' The Bristol County rabbits range in age — with some being as young as 8 weeks old — and are mostly larger breeds, including Californian, Chinchilla and Rex. 'People often shy away from adopting larger breeds because they think they'll be harder to hold and more difficult for kids to manage, but we often find that they're more docile than some smaller breeds,' Keiley explained. The Bristol County bunnies will need to be spayed or neutered prior to being adopted. 'Rabbits are great pets — they can be litter box trained and have a similar relationship with people as cats and dogs,' Keiley said. 'That includes how they share their home; they don't need to be kept in cages all the time.' Anyone interested in adopting a rabbit can visit the following MSPCA shelters during normal business hours: Boston Adoption Center: Tuesday through Sunday from noon to 3 p.m. MSPCA at Nevins Farm: Tuesday through Sunday from noon to 4:30 p.m. Cape Cod Adoption Center: Tuesday through Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Download the and apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch or with the new . Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
More than 40 rabbits surrendered in Massachusetts seeking new homes ahead of Easter
BOSTON (WWLP) – The MSPCA-Angell is seeking adopters for dozens of rabbits that were rescued from a home in Bristol County. These new laws go into effect in Massachusetts that help protect pets The MSPCA states that 44 rabbits were surrendered from a property on April 9th, with some as young as eight weeks old, and includes breeds such as Californian, Chinchilla, and Rex rabbits. Before the rabbits can be adopted, they need to be spayed or neutered. 'Despite their previous situation, the rabbits are really sweet,' said Vice President of the MSPCA-Angell's Animal Protection Division, Mike Keiley. 'We know that many people are thinking about bunnies given how close we are to Easter, so we're putting out a call to them: If you're considering adopting a rabbit, now's the time, despite what some persistent internet myths may suggest.' Keiley states that there are myths about adopting rabbits around Easter, as it could negatively impact their chances at finding a home. Rabbits are very social and energetic and require lots of attention. They can live anywhere between 7-10 years or more with proper care and feeding. So gifting one of these furry little guys is no small commitment. 'People who are considering getting a rabbit often think about doing so now, just given the season, and there's no shame in that,' Keiley said. 'We want people to come in and adopt because they'll still talk to an adoption counselor to see if a rabbit is a good fit for their family, and we don't see them being surrendered at higher rates.' The MSPCA-Angell is asking for anyone interested in adopting a rabbit to visit the following shelters during open hours, which vary by location: Boston Adoption Center: Tuesday – Sunday, noon – 3:00 p.m. MSPCA at Nevins Farm: Tuesday – Sunday, noon – 4:30 p.m. Cape Cod Adoption Center: Tuesday – Sunday, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. The MSPCA says animal cruelty charges are pending against their former owner. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Two kittens at MSPCA-Angell need care before finding forever home
BOSTON (WWLP) – Two small kittens are the only survivors of their litter and are receiving life-saving care from MSPCA-Angell in the hope that they may find loving homes. Massachusetts 'The Voice' contestant to perform during battle rounds MSCPA-Angell said that the approximately three-week-old domestic shorthair kittens are among three that were surrendered from an Essex County home on March 7. Two of the kittens' littermates had already died before the organization was called in to help, and seven other cats were living in the home, several of which were not spayed or neutered. 'The kittens were covered in fleas, which caused severe anemia—something that's a problem for any animal, but it's deadly for young cats like these,' said Mike Keiley, MSPCA-Angell Vice President of Animal Protection. 'Their red blood cell counts were critically low.' The three kittens were brought to the Larson Kelly Community Clinic in Boston and an emergency blood transfusion was immediately performed, but unfortunately, one of the kittens didn't make it. MSPCA Law Enforcement is working with the owner to provide the remaining kittens with flea and tick treatment and preventative care. 'This situation highlights the importance of spay/neuter and the problems that arise when resources aren't available,' Keiley said. 'Their owner loves these cats but is older and dealing with their own medical issues that, coupled with the challenges of finding affordable spay/neuter, led to this.' These kittens will be spayed and neutered among 200 animals during MSPCA-Angell's Giving Day on Thursday. This event is significant to address the backlog of animals in shelter care and prevent an increase in homeless animals in the state. The procedures will take place at MSPCA clinics, as well as at collaborating centers such as the Thomas J. O'Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center in Springfield. MSPCA-Angell said the two sick kittens are expected to need about five more weeks of care before they will be available to find new homes. To donate for the kittens' cost of care, as well as other animals that may need help, visit WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.