First of the Lynnfield Hoarding House Cats go up for Adoption

BOSTON and Methuen, Mass. April 11, 2014 – After weeks of quarantine and treatment for ringworm and other maladies the first seven cats rescued along with nearly 200 other animals from a Lynnfield hoarding house in February are ready for new homes, the MSPCA-Angell announced today.

The cats available for adoption today range in age from three to 10 years and are described as Scottish Folds, a specialty breed known for curved ears and warm, docile demeanors.  They were among 189 cats, dogs, birds and lizards removed from the home on Feb. 27 and transported to adoption centers operated by the MSPCA and Animal Rescue League of Boston.  The animals’ previous owner, Leonard Miville, is facing eight felony animal cruelty counts and will be arraigned in Peabody District Court on April 16.

“It’s been a long road for these cats and for our staff who worked tirelessly to address their health concerns before getting to this point,” said MSPCA-Angell’s Boston adoption center manager Alyssa Krieger.  “It’s incredibly rewarding to be at the stage where we can invite adopters in to see them and to take them home.”

The first of the Lynnfield cats get ready for new lives in permanent homes (credit: MSPCA-Angell)

The MSPCA-Angell has been treating the cats since late February for ringworm, a minor but highly contagious fungal infection, with twice-per-week full-body dips in a liquid bath of lyme and sulfur, as well as daily oral medication—the most effective solution to kill the infection.  With the second test showing the ringworm to be cleared, the cats can now be placed into forever homes.

Despite today’s news there are still over 20 animals from the Lynnfield home in the MSPCA’s care.   They remain in treatment for various health problems such as dental and eye disease.  Anyone interested in helping these animals, and others like them, can make a donation toward their care by clicking here.

65 Birds Placed into New Homes
The MSPCA-Nevins Farm in Methuen took possession of 65 birds, including parrots, cockatiels and pigeons and has already placed all of the birds into permanent homes.  “We are so grateful for the incredible response from previous bird adopters and advocates passionate about the work we do every day on behalf of homeless animals,” said Mike Keiley, director of the Noble Family Animal Care and Adoption Center at Nevins Farm.

The remaining animals continue to recover and will be placed for adoption in the weeks and months ahead.  Anyone interested in adopting the first group of cats can email adoption@mspca.org or click here for more information about the adoption process.

###

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 and like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mspcaangell