‘Largest Local Surrender’ in Recent History Pushes Shelter Capacity to the Brink
BOSTON, June 12, 2024 – Dozens of Boxers are resting and recuperating throughout the MSPCA’s shelter system after they were surrendered at an Essex County property on June 11.
The 60 dogs have a wide age range, from newborn puppies to seniors. They will not be available for adoption until they have undergone medical and behavioral evaluations—something that could take weeks for some of the dogs.
“We’re still doing initial evaluations, so we aren’t yet sure what kind of care these dogs will need before they’re ready to find new homes,” explained MSPCA-Angell Vice President of Animal Protection, Mike Keiley. “But we know the property they came from allegedly had unsanitary and overcrowded conditions.”
“So, some of the dogs are thin, and many have acute medical issues that need to be addressed, like dental work,” he elaborated. “It’ll take a few days for us to have a clear picture of what’s next for them, but we do know that we need help now.”
The case is being investigated by Merrimac, Haverhill, and Windham, New Hampshire Police. The MSPCA does not have an update on the investigation at this time.
Shelter Capacity ‘Pushed to the Limits!’
“This is the largest local surrender we’ve had in close to a decade,” Keiley expanded. “Thankfully, we adopted out many dogs during our adoptathon last week, but given the immense size of this surrender, we’re already back at capacity.”
The MSPCA is working tirelessly to ready the Boxers for adoption as quickly as possible. Some are expected to be available as early as June 17, while others will require more time.
“Right now, we need people to adopt the dogs that are already in our care to help make space,” added Keiley. “We’re also looking for people to help us by fostering some of these new arrivals.”
“It’s critical that we make space in the shelters so that we can continue to be there for people in the community who need to surrender, but right now that will be extremely challenging.”
Those interested in learning more about fostering a dog can find information at mspca.org/foster.
Help the Boxers!
“Having this many animals come into our care so quickly is extremely taxing on all our resources,” said Keiley, estimating that the dogs’ care will cost more than $10,000.
Those interested in donating to help offset that cost may do so at mspca.org/boxers.
“We want to get these dogs into new homes as soon as they’re ready, so that they’re able to get the love and attention they deserve, while also opening up kennel space that would allow us to take in animals from local surrenders and transfers from local animal control departments, as well as out-of-state transports,” he added.
“But some of the dogs will need more time before they’re ready to start their next chapters, and we’re asking that people be patient as we work to get them there.”
The dogs will be adopted out of the MSPCA’s shelters in Boston, Methuen, and Salem during open hours, which vary by location.
The Boxers will be added to the MSPCA’s available animals page at mspca.org/adoptadog as they become available for adoption. Interested adopters are asked to monitor that page and go to open hours to adopt.
