HADLEY — Exotic birds and chickens, along with goats, sheep, cows and ponies, are among more than 150 animals removed from a Lawrence Plain Road property Wednesday as part of an investigation into animal neglect, according to the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals-Angell.
With assistance from Hadley Police, MSPCA-Angell investigators assessed and removed the animals due to poor conditions at the property, including a lack of appropriate access to food, water and shelter. Authorities did not identify the farm in a statement about the investigation.
Most of the animals at the site are birds, including farm birds like chickens and geese, and some domestic birds, such as cockatiels and parrots. While there were goats, cows, pigs, sheep, rabbits and one pony, there was also some wildlife that are illegal to have as pets in Massachusetts, including a deer and some Canada geese.
“Many of the animals lacked access to food and water,” MSPCA-Angell Law Enforcement Director Chris Schindler said in a statement. “The majority were also living outdoors without adequate protection from the elements.”
Schindler explained the decision to intervene was made, with the execution of a search and seizure warrant, after conversations with the property owner were unsuccessful.
“We attempted to work with the owner of this property to ensure that the animals were getting the care that they needed,” Schindler said.
The animals are being brought to MSPCA-Angell facilities in the state where they will be cared for as a court process plays out.
The operation involved three trailers, five vans and more than 20 staff members across various departments. “I’m incredibly proud of our team’s dedication and effort to ensure the animals will be safe,” Schindler said.
The winter weather, he noted, poses a threat to farm animals.
“The conditions in New England can be really harsh, so even farm animals that are typically housed outside still need shelter to protect them,” Schindler said. “They also need supplemental feed and hay to maintain their body condition and health.”
When the ground freezes, the farm animals can’t get the nutrients they need.
“Those animals can rapidly lose weight if their owners aren’t supplementing their diets with additional feed and hay, which is when we may need to step in,” Schindler said.
MSPCA-Angell Law Enforcement is made up of a small team responsible for protecting animals in all 351 cities and towns in Massachusetts.
In 2022, a Hadley woman was charged with animal cruelty after nine cows and 22 goats were seized from an Amherst farm where she was keeping. In that case, the animals that were severely neglected and infected with parasites were taken to the MSPCA’s Nevins Farm in Methuen.
Issues of concern can be reported to MSPCA-Angell Law Enforcement by phone at 617- 522-6008 or 800-628-5808, or online at mspca.org/tip.
Those who would like to donate to help support MSPCA-Angell Law Enforcement are asked to give at mspca.org/justice.