60 Boxers Rescued From Essex County Property Amid Police Investigation: MSPCA

SALEM, MA — Sixty Boxers rescued from an Essex County property as part of what the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals called the largest local surrender in nearly a decade were being evaluated and prepared for adoption on Thursday.

The dogs range from puppies to seniors with some available for adoption as soon as Monday and others requiring veterinary care and longer recovery time before being made available for a forever home.

MSPCA-Angell Vice President of Animal Protection Mike Keiley said the dogs were likely kept in unsanitary and overcrowded conditions and that it will "take a few days for us to have a clear picture of what's next for them. But we do know we need help now."

The MSPCA said Merrimac, Haverhill and Windham, NH police are investigating the case.

"Given the immense size of this surrender, we're already back at capacity," Keiley said. "Right now, we need people to adopt the dogs that are already in our care to help make space. We're also looking for people to help us by fostering some of these new arrivals."

Those interested in adopting one of the dogs currently in the shelter, or one of the Boxers when they are made available, can inquire here.

Those interested in learning more about fostering a dog can find information at here.

"It's critical that we make space in the shelters so that we can continue to be there for people in the community who need to surrender, but right now that will be extremely challenging," Keiley said.

Keiley estimated that the dogs' care will cost more than $10,000.

Those interested in donating to help offset that cost may do so at here.

"We want to get these dogs into new homes as soon as they're ready, so that they're able to get the love and attention they deserve, while also opening up kennel space that would allow us to take in animals from local surrenders and transfers from local animal control departments, as well as out-of-state transports," he said. "But some of the dogs will need more time before they're ready to start their next chapters, and we're asking that people be patient as we work to get them there."

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)