The Parson Terriers are Quarantined at the MSPCA’s Methuen and Cape Cod Adoption Centers, Soaking up “TLC” and Preparing for New Homes
BOSTON, Methuen and Centerville, Mass., June 17, 2019 – Seven Parson Terriers are lucky to be alive after they were rescued from deplorable conditions on a New Jersey farm and brought to the MSPCA-Angell’s Methuen and Centerville adoption centers, the organization announced today.
The dogs now in the MSPCA’s care—six females and one male that the MSPCA estimates are between two and nine years old—are generally healthy but require behavior and health checks before they can be adopted. Already adoption center officials know they will need extensive dental work.
One-Time Top Breeder at Westminster Turned Hoarder
In all nearly 200 dogs—some of them pregnant and many appearing visibly sick—were rescued from the Rocky Ridge Russells kennel in rural Stockton, N.J. The MSPCA responded to a request for help from the St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center in Madison, N.J. and sent a crew of four staff members to New Jersey on June 14 to assist with the triage and removal of the dogs from the property, and transport to Massachusetts.
An animal cruelty investigation led by the Hunterdon County Prosecutors’ office is now underway. The other 188 dogs rescued from the farm are being cared for by animal shelters both inside and outside of New Jersey.
Mike Keiley, director of adoption centers and programs at the MSPCA-Angell, explained why the dogs were sent to the organization’s Methuen and Cape Cod adoption centers vs its Boston headquarters. “Our MSPCA at Nevins Farm [in Methuen] and our new Cape Cod adoption center have been specially outfitted with quarantine areas to ensure these dogs can be kept apart from others but still receive the highest level of care and attention that all animals under our roof receive.”
“The saddest aspect of this story is that there seemingly were many opportunities for the owners of these dogs to ask for help,” continued Keiley. “This operation spun out of control and unfortunately the animals paid the price. We want to make sure that for however long they are with us they receive not only the basics like medical care and quality food, but as much love and attention as our staff and volunteers can provide.”
Massachusetts state law dictates that animals rescued from other states (or other countries) must be quarantined for 48 hours to reduce the chance that disease or infections can spread.
Ensuring a Happy and Healthy Stay at the MSPCA
Keiley and his team have made the new arrivals as comfortable as possible with soft beds, blankets, toys and lots of treats.
The dogs will need dental cleanings—and possibly some extractions—to restore them to optimal health before they can be placed for adoption. They’re also suffering from scalding on their legs caused by standing in feces and urine, as well as ear and eye infections. The MSPCA has set up a fundraising page for anyone who wants to donate toward their care: www.mspca.org/newjerseydogs. All monies raised above and beyond the cost of the dogs’ care will be used to help other homeless animals in the MSPCA’s adoption centers.
How to Adopt
The adoption protocol for these dogs will be the same as for every other: adopters are encouraged to come to the MSPCA at Nevins Farm or the MSPCA-Cape Cod this week during business hours to meet them in person and apply to adopt. Keiley said that while the dogs are friendly, getting familiar with a home environment will take some time. “These are animals who spent most of their lives treated more like livestock than pets, so they’ll need some extra care and training to ensure they thrive in their new homes.”
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