12 Dogs Among More than 50 Previously Living Without Adequate Care
Salem, Mass., Feb. 20, 2025 – Twelve hound and beagle mixes are resting and recuperating at the MSPCA at Northeast Animal Shelter in Salem after being brought to Massachusetts following an animal cruelty investigation in South Carolina.
“More than 50 dogs were surrendered last month by an owner who had been living with them on a single property where they weren’t getting the care they needed,” explained MSPCA-Angell Vice President of Animal Protection, Mike Keiley. “That’s a huge number of dogs entering shelters in the Midlands region of South Carolina that are already at or over capacity.”
“It’s far too many dogs for them to care for, so when our transport partners in the area reached out for help, we knew we needed to step up and make it happen, despite our own capacity challenges,” he added.
‘Perfect Timing’
The dogs range in age from one-to-10 years old. They arrived in Salem the evening of February 18.
“The timing of these pups’ arrival is kind of perfect in that we already have an adoption event happening, which we hope will help open up much-needed kennel space,” Keiley explained, referencing the Missed Connections adoptathon February 17 through February 23 at the MSPCA-Angell and several other MASS coalition partners.
The new arrivals will be available for adoption following their state-mandated 48-hour quarantine and after receiving any medical care they may need.
“Considering their circumstances, these dogs are in relatively good health,” said Keiley. “They need to be spayed or neutered, and some also need dental work, but we’re hoping that at least a few will be available before the end of the adoptathon.”
“Now it’s more vital than ever that people step forward and adopt any of the dogs in our care or the care of any of our MASS partners,” added Keiley. “We won’t be in a position to help more dogs until we find loving homes for those already in our care.”
The MSPCA-Angell will post updates on the South Carolina dogs on its social media pages. More information on the adoptathon may be found at mspca.org/dogs.
