Middleboro animals rescued from neglect seek new homes
Nov 20, 2024
BOSTON (WPRI) — Some of the pets rescued from a Middleboro home, where they were found living in deplorable conditions, are now waiting for loving families.
On Oct. 18, animal control officers condemned the home after discovering 17 dogs living in filth with inadequate food and water. Police said all of the dogs required medical attention, with one needing immediate care.
Other animals rescued included two cats, a guinea pig, a turtle, and six emaciated horses covered in mud.
BACKGROUND: Middleboro woman charged with 26 counts of animal cruelty
Mike Keiley, vice president of animal protection at MSPCA-Angell, said the dogs—breeds including shih tzus, Maltese and poodle mixes, and a corgi—were initially housed together at Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston to evaluate their needs.
"We’ve never done that before," Keiley said. "But we decided it was best for the dogs to be kept together and evaluated by our staff, so we knew we needed to do anything it would take to get that done.”
Some of the dogs have since been returned to Middleboro Animal Control, while eight remain under the MSPCA's care alongside the other rescued animals.
"All of the animals were surrendered to our collective care recently [Nov. 7], which means we’re now able to start looking for adopters," Keiley said. "We want to place them as soon as they’re ready, so these animals can experience the loving home environments they deserve."
Dog rescued from Middleboro home (Courtesy: MSPCA-Angell)
Dog rescued from Middleboro home (Courtesy: MSPCA-Angell)
Dog rescued from Middleboro home (Courtesy: MSPCA-Angell)
The MSPCA expects adoption availability to vary over the coming weeks as each animal completes medical treatments.
"All of the animals have varying levels of need, which determines when they’ll be ready to go to new homes," Keiley explained.
Cats and guinea pig: Ready for adoption now
Dogs: Awaiting dental procedures and spaying/neutering
Horses: In rehabilitation; available after further recovery
Among the first group of dogs ready for adoption is 6-year-old Gumby, a shih tzu mix with luxated patellas, leaving his kneecaps permanently displaced. Though unable to bend his hind legs, Keily said Gumby remains mobile and spirited.
"There’s, unfortunately, no surgical fix for his injuries,” Keiley said. "Despite that ... we know that he'll be able to live a happy life with adopters who are willing to help him navigate the world in his own special way."
6-year-old Shih Tzu Gumby (Courtesy: MSPCA-Angell)6-year-old Shih Tzu Gumby (Courtesy: MSPCA-Angell)6-year-old Shih Tzu Gumby (Courtesy: MSPCA-Angell)
Meanwhile, the six horses, ages 6 to 22, still need more recovery time. Keiley said they will continue rehabilitation at Nevins Farm in Methuen for at least another month.
"The horses definitely need more time with us before they’ll be fit for new homes," Keiley said. "When they came to us, they were thin, so they’ve been on refeeding plans to address that, but they also need dental and hoof work."
The MSPCA estimates the cost of caring for the rescued animals at $25,000. Those interested in helping offset the costs can make a donation online.
"We’re grateful to be in a position to help these animals, but taking in such a large and unexpected number at once has really strained our resources," Keiley added.
Updates on the animals' adoption statuses will be posted on MSPCA-Angell’s social media platforms as they become available.
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