One of the Largest Single Surrender of Goats Concludes with all Animals Adopted
BOSTON and Methuen, Mass., July 8, 2016 – Less than two months after 46 goats arrived at the threshold of the MSPCA-Nevins Farm in Methuen, all of the animals have been claimed by adopters and all but 10 have been delivered to their new homes, the MSPCA-Angell announced today.
Those still living at Nevins Farm will likely all be delivered to their permanent homes next week.
The goats—which included a smattering of adults, youngsters (“kids”) and babies—arrived on May 12 and since that time their population expanded to 51 after the birth of five babies. But, according to Nevins Farm barn manager, Gia Barss, the team successfully carved out space, nursed everyone back to health and expedited the adoption process to ensure all would find forever homes.
“Unexpected large surrenders are always a challenge for us because it just means there are so many new animals to settle in, as well as making room by shifting the living quarters for the animals already in our charge,” said Barss. “But this is what we do: we take these animals when no one else can, we nurse them back to health and do all we can to ensure they end up in safe forever homes.”
The goats—an assembly of Alpine, Pygmy and Angora mixes—were surrendered from a Western Massachusetts property after their former owner became overwhelmed with the growing herd and voluntarily turned the animals over to the MSPCA’s law enforcement department. No charges were filed and the previous owner’s identity has not been released.
Most of the animals tested positive for Coccidia, a contagious protozoan that causes intestinal upset, as well as parasitic infections including round, whip and tape worms. The goats spent their first week in quarantine to protect the nearly 200 other farm animals currently housed at Nevins Farm, and have fully recovered with treatment.
“It’s not uncommon for large surrenders like this to include many sick animals, owing to the crowded conditions that they come from, but we were able to treat them all and of course see to their socialization needs, too,” said Barss. “And we feel so good about finding homes for every single one of them.
Barss said that newly born goats were sent home with their mothers and all adopters were subjected to a rigorous evaluation process and site visit. “Now we have just 10 on the property and I expect them to be in their new homes as early as next week.”
For more information about adoption at the MSPCA readers can click here.
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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 of individuals who care about animals. Please visit www.mspca.org.
