Remaining Animals from Massachusetts Cruelty Case Placed with Rescue Groups Across 13 States

November 17, 2016

Westport MA update

Photo from previous ASPCA rescue.

We’ve spent the past few months working with our extensive network of animal welfare agencies to transport the remaining animals rescued in late July from a 70-acre property in Westport, Massachusetts, to rescue groups throughout the country. At the request of the Westport Police Department, the ASPCA has been providing daily care for the more than 1,000 animals at its emergency shelter, and has deployed nearly 650 responders from 44 agencies to support the sheltering operation.

“We’ve been on the ground for nearly four months caring for these animals and it feels great knowing that so many of them are on their way to finding new homes,” said Tim Rickey, Vice President of ASPCA Field Investigations and Response. “We’ve provided quality care and enrichment for animals at our temporary shelter, but nothing beats a safe and loving home.”

Agencies that received animals from the ASPCA include:

  • 808 Horse Rescue (Calhan, CO)
  • Angels of Assisi (Roanoke, VA)
  • Animal Rescue League of Boston (Boston, MA)
  • Animal Welfare Society (Kennebunk, ME)
  • Berkshire Humane Society (Pittsfield, MA)
  • Catskill Animal Sanctuary (Saugerties, NY)
  • Chautauqua County Humane Society (Chautauqua, NY)
  • Chenoa Manor (Avondale, PA)
  • Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary (Ravena, OH)
  • Humane Society of Chittenden County (South Burlington, VT)
  • Connecticut Humane Society (Newington, CT)
  • Days End Farm Horse Rescue (Woodbine, MD)
  • Forever Paws Animal Shelter (Fall River, MA)
  • House Rabbit Network (Woburn, MA)
  • Lasa Sanctuary (Ashtabula, OH)
  • Live and Let Live Farm (Chichester, NH)
  • Lollypop Farm (Fairport, NY)
  • MSPCA Cape Cod (Centerville, MA)
  • MSPCA (Boston, MA)
  • Potter League for Animals (Middletown, RI)
  • SPCA Serving Erie County (Tonawanda, NY)
  • Sweet Binks Rabbit Rescue (Foster, RI)
  • Tamerlaine Farm Animal Sanctuary (Montague Township, NJ)
  • West Place Animal Sanctuary (South Tiverton, RI)

According to these rescue groups, many of the animals have been adopted into safe and loving homes. The Animal Welfare Society found homes for 40 rabbits from this case in September, and recently transported more rabbits to its facility for adoption. Forever Paws Animal Shelter placed more than a dozen rabbits and dogs in new homes, and Lollypop Farm has received more than a hundred animals—including sheep, goats, ducks and pigeons—with some soon to be made available for adoption.

“It hasn’t been easy finding suitable placement for such a large and diverse population of animals, but many rescue groups have stepped up to get these animals into homes,” said Jessica Rushin, Senior Manager of ASPCA Partnerships. “So many of these animals have had a hard start in life, but they’re leaving their past behind and moving forward to a new, happy chapter.”