It’s a “Hircus Circus” after 46 Goats are Surrendered from a Single Home
BOSTON and Methuen, Mass., May 24, 2016 – One of the largest ever single surrender of goats to the MSPCA-Nevins Farm began on May 12 when 35 goats—including babies, youngsters and adults—were transferred to the organization’s care, the MSPCA-Angell announced today.
Another 11 goats arrived in subsequent days, bringing the total to 46. “It’s definitely one of the largest goat surrenders we’ve ever managed,” said Gia Barss, barn manager for Nevins Farm, who has been working nonstop to settle the goats into temporary living quarters.
The goats—an assembly of Alpine, Pygmy and Angora mixes—were surrendered from a Western Massachusetts property after their former owner, whose identity is not being released, became overwhelmed with the growing herd and voluntarily turned the animals over to the MSPCA’s law enforcement department.
The diversity of the herd is one of the most remarkable characteristics of this particular surrender. Several of the females are pregnant and there are 10 nursing babies (“kids”) younger than six months old. Some of the older members of the herd are upwards of five years old.
Most of the goats have tested positive for Coccidia, a bacteria that causes intestinal upset and is highly contagious, as well as parasitic infections including round, whip and tape worms. The goats spent their first week in quarantine to protect the nearly 200 other farm animals currently housed at Nevins Farm, and are responding well to treatment.
“Despite these ailments—which are not uncommon when a population of herd animals like goats is allowed to grow unchecked—they are generally well socialized and friendly animals,” said Barss. Barss believes all of the goats will recover completely.
Call for Adopters
Barss has made an urgent appeal to adopters to take in one or more of goats, which will be available for adoption in the coming days. Adopters should have goat care experience and an understanding of goats’ need for socialization. “Goats are herd animals and do much better with friends of their own kind—or even the company of ponies or other herd animals,” said Barss. “We also hope to adopt out many of these goats in pairs or groups.”
The MSPCA-Nevins Farm will spend upwards of $3,000 providing medical care and housing for the goats. Readers who wish to contribute toward the care of these goats, and other animals like them, can click here.
For more information about adoption at the MSPCA readers can click 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.
