150 animals removed from Hadely property after alleged neglect

Local News

“Many of the animals lacked access to food and water,” said MSPCA-Angell Law Enforcement Director, Chris Schindler.

More than 150 animals, including Canadian geese and a deer, were taken from a property in Hadley on Wednesday by an animal rescue group after reports of neglect, the group said.

both of which are illegal to have as pets in Massachusetts,

“The majority were also living outdoors without adequate protection from the elements.” Chris Schindler, Law Enforcement Director for the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals-Angell Law Enforcement (MSPCA-Angell), said in a statement. “The majority were also living outdoors without adequate protection from the elements.”

The majority of those removed were birds, including poultry like chickens and geese and domestic birds like cockatiels and parrots, but MSPCA-Angell also rescued goats, cows, pigs, sheep, rabbits, and one pony, the statement read.

MSPCA-Angell worked alongside Hadley police to conduct a search and seizure on Jan. 7 after discussions with the owner of the property failed, the rescue group said.

“Ultimately, we weren’t successful, and it was clear that intervention was necessary, so we executed a search and seizure warrant today to seize them,” Schindler said in the release.

The animals rescued are being brought to MSPCA-Angell facilities to receive proper care while the court process unfolds, the group said. 

The entire evacuation involved more than three trailers, five vans, and more than 20 staff members across various MSPCA-Angell departments.

“An operation of this scale required all hands on deck from across the organization,” Schindler said.  

Concerns about animal welfare can be reported to MSPCA-Angell Law Enforcement by phone at (617) 522-6008 or (800) 628-5808, or online.