Support for the Nevins Centennial Project will Modernize and Expand Aging Infrastructure and Ensure Safety and Comfort for Animals Awaiting Adoption
BOSTON and Methuen, Mass. April 9, 2019 – The MSPCA at Nevins Farm in Methuen, Mass. announced today it has received a $200,000 grant from the John T. and Jane A. Wiederhold Foundation to fund improvements to its property and buildings beginning this year.
The grant money is a shot in the arm for the Nevins Centennial Project which launched in 2017 in celebration of Nevins Farm’s 100th birthday. The project aims to expand and modernize the buildings and paddocks on the farm to meet the evolving needs of the many animals surrendered every year, many of whom need extensive care before they can be placed for adoption.
“This generous gift from the John T. and Jane A. Wiederhold Foundation means we’re able to expand our facilities and tackle badly needed repairs that will help all animals,” said Heather Robertson, director of development for the MSPCA at Nevins Farm.
Massive Improvements, Expansion Underway
Many original, decades-old buildings at Nevins Farm are now suboptimal for the kind of work expected of a 21st century leader in animal welfare.
“Our barn stalls are too small and offer minimal opportunity for enrichment programs that we now know to be crucial for the health and wellbeing of horses and other farm animals,” said Robertson.
“Larger, more modern stalls will make for happier, and ultimately more adoptable animals, and that translates into shorter stays at the shelter, which is a huge win for animals,” added Robertson.
In addition to enlarging the stalls and making necessary structural repairs to the barn, Centennial funds have been earmarked for the creation of more flexible housing.
“We never know when we may suddenly have hundreds of birds surrendered at one time, requiring us to apportion space immediately and in ways that do not stress all of the other animals in our care,” said Robertson.
Other projects on tap for this year include significant improvements to paddock fencing and outdoor pens—including the construction of horse and livestock shelters in more paddocks at Nevins Farm, ensuring every animal can enjoy protection from the elements.
Nevins Farm has already expanded the poultry barn with new enclosures to separate chickens from water fowl when necessary as well as countless structural and cosmetic repairs to virtually every animal dwelling on the property.
To learn more about the MSPCA at Nevins Farm, or to donate, readers can click here
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