Methuen, Mass., Jan. 24, 2014– Sixty five birds—including a variety of parrots, doves and finches—were removed today from a dirty and overcrowded home in Lawrence, Mass. and taken to the MSPCA-Nevins Farm in Methuen, the organization has announced. The birds, crammed together in a small room that lacked proper heat and ventilation, were surrendered along with three young kittens.
The birds will live at the MSPCA-Nevins Farm until permanent homes can be found. The new arrivals have strained an already overloaded bird room at the facility’s Noble Family Animal Care and Adoption Center, which is now housing close to 90 birds ranging from macaws, cockatiels, parrots, parakeets and more.
The MSPCA came to the birds’ aid after the Lawrence animal control officer received complaints about the birds being kept in unsanitary conditions in the home’s enclosed porch. The owner of the birds, whose identity is not being released, agreed to turn the animals over to the MSPCA when it was clear that the living conditions posed a significant threat to their health. Nevins Farm Director Mike Keiley has made the birds’ safety and comfort the top priority.
“Not only have these birds endured a level of overcrowding typically seen in hoarding conditions, but their socialization and overall health needs have gone unmet for years,” he said. “Many of them are fragile and scared—and you can imagine how bad the conditions were when for their own wellbeing we opted to take them from the home on a day when the temperature was hovering around ten degrees.”
For the most part the birds are healthy, despite being hungry and cold. Keiley expects all of animals, including the kittens, to recover from their ordeal and be placed into permanent homes.
The MSPCA-Nevins Farm is no stranger to large-scale animal surrenders. In November 2013 33 guinea pigs were surrendered after living in an overcrowded home in New Hampshire. And 71 birds were taken in on a single day in February 2012.
Keiley stressed the need for both prospective adopters and donors to step forward and help create a brighter future for the birds. “Monetary donations are very important in these times because of the now greatly expanded number of animals who need our care,” he said.
Anyone interested in adopting one or some of the animals is encouraged to visit the MSPCA-Nevins Farm Animal Care and Adoption Center at Care and Adoption Center at 400 Broadway, Methuen or visit www.mspca.org. Those who wish to donate to the MSPCA-Nevins Farm can do so by clicking here.
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The MSPCA-Angell is a national and international leader in animal protection and veterinary medicine and provides direct hands-on care for thousands of animals each year. Founded in 1868, it is the second-oldest humane society in the United States. Services include animal protection and adoption, advocacy, humane education, law enforcement, and world-class veterinary care. The MSPCA-Angell is a private, non-profit organization. It does not receive any government funding nor is it funded or operated by any national humane organization. The MSPCA-Angell relies solely on the support and contributions of individuals who care about animals. Please visit www.mspca.org.
