Organization Plans Special Emergency Dog Adoption Event as Capacity Strains
BOSTON, Nov. 19, 2025 – The MSPCA-Angell is calling for adopters following the surrender of 149 animals from two separate Law Enforcement cases, the organization announced today.
In the first case, 26 animals were initially seized from a property in Winchendon on August 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 September 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,” explained 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.”
The Plympton animals were surrendered in court on November 17. The Winchendon animals were surrendered in court the following day.
Both cases are pending in the courts.
A ‘Flurry of Activity’
According to Schindler, 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,” he added.
Adopt These (and More) Animals!
“To accommodate the number of seizures, we’ve spread animals across all of our shelters,” said Schindler. “We really need adopters to come out and give any of the animals in our care—but especially dogs—a happy home to ensure that we’ll be able to say yes the next time that an animal needs help.”
To help rehome dogs faster, the MSPCA-Angell is holding a special emergency adoption event this week across all four of its shelters. On Friday, November 21, and Saturday, November 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.”
Fees collected during the adoption event will be used to help rehome future animals.
“If there’s an adoptive home out there considering getting a dog, please come talk to us,” he added. “Every kennel that opens when a dog is adopted is another space we can use to help an animal in need.”
Those interested in adopting are asked to visit to visit an MSPCA-Angell shelter during open hours:
Those interested in adopting horses or other large farm animals are asked to make an appointment at mspca.org/nevinsadopt.
The MSPCA-Angell is also in need of foster homes. More information on the organization’s foster program may be found at mspca.org/foster.
