Adopters Sought For 160+ Farm Animals Seized From MA Home

AYER, MA — More than 160 farm animals who were rescued from an Ayer property in February will be available for adoption, the MSPCA-Angell announced Thursday.

The animals' previous owner, Ruth Maxant-Schulz, 77, was arraigned on 30 counts of animal cruelty and surrendered the animals Monday, months after police discovered them living in unsanitary conditions without adequate access to food and water.

Among the animals who will be up for adoption are 91 chickens, 11 ducks, eight geese, and two ponies, as well as 49 goats, some of whom are pregnant.

Many need medical care, including a goose who needs to have a tumor removed from his eyelid, according to the MSPCA-Angell.

"These animals have been through a lot," the MSPCA-Angell said Thursday. "But now that they’re in our care, we’re focused on helping them get back to good health, including getting them to adequate body weights, and placing them into homes!"

Not all of the animals are ready for adoption now, but some goats, ducks, geese, and roosters at Nevins Farm are already ready to find their forever homes, according to the organization.

The MSPCA is also asking for donations to help offset the cost of medical care for the animals, which has already topped $20,000 "with more costs accruing as they continue on their road to recovery," the organization said.