Photo: MSPCA-Angell
HADLEY, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — After initial reports were much lower, the latest numbers show that 315 animals were removed from a Hadley farm do to alleged animal neglect and cruelty. The animals are recovering at MSCPA-Angell facilities.
According to the MSPCA the species of animals included cows, sheep, pigs, a pony, farm birds (chickens, geese, ducks, turkeys, and peafowl), domestic birds (cockatiels, parrots, parakeets, doves, and pigeons), rabbits, and wildlife that are illegal to keep as pets.
The animals were first removed from the farm on Wednesday and officials estimated about 150 animals in need of refuge, by Friday the total count had doubled.
“Removing the animals was a huge operation that took hours,” explained MSPCA-Angell Law Enforcement Director, Chris Schindler in a statement. “It took dozens of our own staff in Law Enforcement and several other departments, as well as a lot of help from Hadley Police.”
According to Schindler, many of the animals are underweight following their initial examinations and showing signs of being kept in inadequate shelters without access to food and water.
“Regardless of the problems they have, we’re going to make sure that all of the animals get whatever treatment they need, which is going to take a lot of resources considering the sheer number, which is more animals than smaller rescue organizations take in during an entire year,” Schindler said.
The MSPCA-Angell is working with MassWildlife and Massachusetts Environmental Police on treatment and next steps for the wildlife.
Hadley Police echoed that in their statement on the investigation into the farm found that these animals weren’t being well taken care of.
The major operation deployed three trailers, five vans and dozens of staff members to safely remove the animals from the property.
As of now, there is no update on any charges for the owners of the farm. That investigation continues.