BOSTON, Feb. 10, 2014 – The MSPCA-Angell’s Law Enforcement department announced today it has charged Dean Manual of Ludlow, Mass. with 36 counts of animal cruelty after seizing 35 cold, emaciated animals from his property last Friday. Manual, 43, also faces two counts of assault and battery on a police officer and one count of resisting arrest. His arraignment has been scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 12.
The animals seized include: four donkeys; eight ponies; six pigs (including three piglets); four goats; four alpacas; four ducks; two sheep; one goose; one emu and a bunny.
The MSPCA combined forces with the Animal Rescue League of Boston to remove the animals. Twelve animals—including donkeys, ponies, goats and sheep—were taken to the Animal Rescue League’s facility in Dedham. The rest were taken to the MSPCA-Nevins Farm in Methuen.
Health Issues Resulting from Neglect
The majority of the animals are underweight—including a severely emaciated pony who will be placed on a monitored re-feeding program. Some of the ponies have overgrown hooves and all of the animals will undergo further veterinary exams to assess other health issues that must be treated.
One alpaca was so weak that he could not stand on his own and was sent to the Tufts veterinary center in Grafton. The animal remains in the critical care unit while veterinarians determine the full extent of his health issues and how they may be treated.
The MSPCA-Nevins Farm has set up a donation page to enable members of the community to contribute to the care of animals.
The MSPCA previously charged Manual with 10 separate counts of animal cruelty after a Dec. 9 inspection of his property by officer Christine Allenberg found ponies and donkeys living in pens with no food or water, and no protection from the elements. The animals were wet and covered with ice and snow. Officer Allenberg gave Manual until Dec. 17 to build the shelter and charged him when he failed to meet the deadline.
Manual denied the charges at his Dec. 23 arraignment and was scheduled to appear in court on March 5 on those charges.
“Our primary concern now is the health and wellbeing of these animals—and we’ll do everything we can to help them regain their health,” said Officer Allenberg. “And, simultaneously, we will vigorously pursue justice as we do with every cruelty investigation we take on.”
The MSPCA-Angell will announce further developments as the case against Mr. Manual moves forward.
About the MSPCA-Angell
The MSPCA-Angell is a national and international leader in animal protection and veterinary medicine and provides direct hands-on care for thousands of animals each year. Founded in 1868, it is the second-oldest humane society in the United States. Services include animal protection and adoption, advocacy, humane education, law enforcement, and world-class veterinary care. The MSPCA-Angell is a private, non-profit organization. It does not receive any government funding nor is it funded or operated by any national humane organization. The MSPCA-Angell relies solely on the support and contributions from individuals who care about animals. Please visit www.mspca.org.
About the Animal Rescue League of Boston
Founded in 1899, the ARL is dedicated to rescuing domesticated animals and wildlife from suffering, cruelty, abandonment, and neglect. The ARL receives no government funding and relies solely on the generosity of supporters to help animals in need. To learn more about the impact of your donations on animals in need, visit www.arlboston.org.
