Dozens Of Animal Cruelty Surrender Dogs, Cats, Goats, Birds, Ferrets Up For Adoption: MSPCA

SALEM, MA — Dozens of traditional domestic and farm pets — including puppies, cats, chickens, turkeys, ducks, ferrets, rabbits and goats — are newly up for adoption from the MSPCA-Angell after two large surrenders in Plympton and Winchendon in recent weeks.

Twenty-six animals were initially seized from a property in Winchendon on Aug. 29, including 24 dogs and two cats. Seven puppies were born in foster care following the seizure.

The second group of 116 animals was originally removed from a Plympton property on Sept. 23. The majority of the animals are farm birds, including chickens, turkeys, geese, quails, ducks, and one guinea hen. There are also two dogs, two cats, two ferrets, five rabbits, and five goats.

"In both cases, we had probable cause to believe that animal cruelty laws were being violated," said Chris Schindler, director of the MSPCA-Angell's Law Enforcement Department. "When we arrived, we saw that the animals were living in unsanitary conditions. Some did not have adequate access to food and water."

Both cases are pending in the courts.

The MSPCA-Angell is holding a special emergency adoption event this week across all four of its shelters. On Nov. 21 and Nov. 22, all dogs in the organization's care, including puppies, will be available to adopt for a "pay-what-you-can" fee.

Schindler said there has been a lot of Law Enforcement activity over the past several months that has resulted in the seizure of animals.

"Those animals are usually with us for several months at least, depending on the outcome of an investigation," he expounded. "That’s why it’s especially great that these animals have been surrendered, because now we can start to move them out of our shelters."

MSPCA-Angell Law Enforcement has seized 245 animals over the last three months, including nearly 40 dogs, which is making already tight kennel space even tighter.

"We're dealing with kind of a perfect storm when it comes to dog adoptions," said Schindler. "Dogs are staying in shelters longer generally, as has unfortunately been the case for years, but now we're also seeing more dogs surrendered due to housing issues, while we're trying to maintain our existing out-of-state transport program because it's a lifeline for partner shelters in the South.”

"Plus, we're also still taking in animals from local shelters and Animal Control offices that need us. Couple all of that with these seizures that spend an indefinite amount of time in our care, and we really need help."

The MSPCA-Angell is holding a special emergency adoption event this week across all four of its shelters. On Nov. 21 and Nov. 22, all dogs in the organization's care, including puppies, will be available to adopt for a "pay-what-you-can" fee.

"We know that times are tough for many people, and adoption fees can be a barrier, so we're asking people to give what they can," Schindler said.

Fees collected during the adoption event will be used to help rehome future animals.

Those interested in adopting are asked to visit an MSPCA-Angell shelter during open hours:

• Boston Adoption Center: Tuesday – Sunday, noon – 3:00 p.m.
• Northeast Animal Shelter: Daily, 11:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Nevins Farm: Tuesday – Sunday, noon – 4:30 p.m.
• Cape Cod Adoption Center: Tuesday – Sunday, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Those interested in adopting horses or other large farm animals are asked to make an appointment here.

The MSPCA-Angell is also in need of foster homes. More information on the organization’s foster program may be found here.