Photo: Chaiel Schaffel/WBZ NewsRadio
METHUEN, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — The winter months can be a tough time for the folks at Nevins Farm in Methuen.
"A lot of our law enforcement activity [like] investigations of animal cruelty pick up in the winter," the MSPCA's Mike Keiley said.
Along with that, many people end up surrendering farm animals in the winter because it's hard to care for them. Generally in the summer pet owners can rely on a steady amount of grass and sunshine for cheap ways to feed and house animals, but in the winter the cost of feed and keeping them warm can add up.
"The keystone, sort of, species that tend to challenge our space are goats, sheep, and farm pigs," Keiley said. "You have to shovel out pens, you have to make sure that you're managing their water from freezing, that they have the caloric intake they need in order to weather the winter months."
Read More: Governor Healey Signs Law Banning Cat Declawing in Massachusetts
The MSPCA is working to find homes for the dozens of surrendered farm animals. They held a successful adoptathon at the Nevins farm just last weekend.
"When we put out a message and a call to action for adoptions our community stands up," Keiley said. "We sent home, I believe, 17 goats [and] five pigs which was huge."
The MSPCA encourages anyone with space and time to help these animals to consider adopting. The list of animals at Nevins Farm can be found here.
WBZ's Chaiel Schaffel (@CSchaffelWBZ) reports.