Event Follows Surrender of 147 Animals from Single Property in Franklin County
Methuen, Mass., June 2, 2025 – The MSPCA at Nevins Farm is waiving adoption fees for more than 100 animals, including pigs, goats, and farm birds, on June 7 and 8, the MSPCA-Angell announced today.
The event follows the removal of 147 animals—pigs, goats, chickens, geese, ducks, cattle, horses, donkeys, and dogs—from a single property in Franklin County on April 16. Some of those animals have since given birth, meaning capacity at the farm is stretched thin.
“All told, we ended up with more than 150 animals from this case,” said Mike Keiley, vice president of the MSPCA-Angell’s Animal Protection Division, who added that the animals’ previous owner surrendered them on April 22. “Obviously following that kind of intake, our resources are really being pushed to the brink.”
The investigation into the animals’ former owner is ongoing. The MSPCA-Angell will release updates on that case as they become available.
“All Hands On Deck”
According to Keiley, the MSPCA-Angell is uniquely positioned to help in this kind of situation, but it takes a lot of resources.
“This was a massive undertaking—we took in an entire farm at one time and moved it to Nevins,” he explained. “So, it was all hands on deck—our Law Enforcement officers discovered the animals, and the Nevins Farm team helped remove and resettle them all in Methuen.”
“We’re really the only local organization that can help with this kind of huge intake,” Keiley continued. “Bringing in close to a dozen different species, including cattle and horses, and housing them is incredibly complicated.”
“We’re fortunate to have both the staffing and expertise to make it work, not to mention the equipment needed to move so many animals at once, as well as the space they all need to thrive.”
“But doing so has put us in a really tight spot, resource-wise, so we’re sending out a call for help to the community, and I really hope they hear us,” he added.
A ‘Jam-Packed’ Farm
There are currently more than 300 animals living at Nevins Farm.
“We need to find homes for a lot of these animals and fast,” said Keiley. “We typically see more cases of neglect in turbulent economic times and, given what we’re already seeing with the increasing costs of hay and feed, I expect more animals will need to come to Nevins soon, whether through owner surrender or related to Law Enforcement cases.”
“But we won’t have space for them unless we’re able to adopt out many of the animals already in our care.”
Prior to the April 16 intake, a horse named Astrid was surrendered from the same Franklin County property.
“Astrid was in dire need of medical attention when she came to us, and she ended up needing to spend more than a week in the hospital,” elaborated Keiley, noting that since being released from the hospital, the young Percheron filly is doing well and expected to be available for adoption soon.
“Since the other animals have been in our care, many have given birth, so the costs are adding up quickly.”
Keiley estimates caring for Astrid—including her prolonged hospitalization—and the other Franklin County animals has already cost roughly $25,000. Those who would like to donate to help offset that cost are asked to do so at mspca.org/farmsurrender.
Adopt a Farm Animal—For Free!
During the adoptathon June 7 and 8, fees will be waived for pigs, goats, chickens, and fowl. That is a savings of up to $400 that can be put toward the care of these new animals.
“All told, we’re hoping to adopt out about 120 animals in just two days,” said Keiley. “It’s a huge goal, but it’s what we need to do in order to be there for the next animals who need us.”
Registration is recommended, but not required. Learn more at mspca.org/feewaived.
