Horses, mules, donkeys, geese and a cockatoo were rescued from unsanitary conditions on a Massachusetts property, according to the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals — Angell.
"Our Law Enforcement team has removed 13 animals from a property where they were allegedly living in unsanitary conditions," the MSPCA said in a social media post.
"Seven horses, two mules, a donkey, two geese, and a cockatoo were seized pursuant to a warrant," the post said. "When our team arrived, some of the animals were standing in more than a foot of manure."
Some of the animals were "severely underweight and have overgrown hooves that make walking painful and difficult," according to the MSPCA.
The MSPCA said it tried to give the owner a chance to improve the conditions for the animals.
"When those efforts were unsuccessful and there was concern the animals’ welfare was at risk, we had no choice but to intervene," the post said.
"The animals are now receiving veterinary care and rehabilitation at the MSPCA-Angell at Nevins Farm, where they will remain while the case moves through the court system," according to the post.
"We have been taking on more large cases than usual, and caring for large numbers of farm animals requires tremendous resources," the post said. "The MSPCA-Angell receives no municipal, state, or federal funding for our Law Enforcement work or for the care we provide at Nevins Farm. This work is only made possible by donations.If you’re able, please consider making a gift today to help the thousands of animals who rely on us each year."
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