Rare, Endangered Cows Rescued From MA Farm Need New Home

METHUEN, MA — If you have some wide-open space to spare, a Massachusetts animal rescue is rehoming several rare cattle following an animal cruelty investigation at a property in Amherst.

The Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals currently is caring for eight head of rare Kerry cattle, along with one Holstein cow and 22 Saanen, Lamancha, and Alpine-mix goats, according to a release from the organization.

The former owner of the animals, Shannon Rice-Nichols of Hadley, has been charged with 35 counts of animal cruelty. Rice-Nichols is set to be arraigned in Eastern Hampshire District Court on May 12.

Animal cruelty is a felony crime in Massachusetts, punishable by up to seven years in prison and a maximum fine of $5,000.

On March 14, a team from the MSPCA went to the property at the request of Amherst's animal welfare officer, Tom Grenham, director of law enforcement at the MSPCA, said in the release.

"It was very clear upon arrival that the animals were in very serious trouble, with one cow having already died and the others in need of dire medical attention," Grenham said.

According to the MSPCA, the cows were severely neglected and malnourished, and all were infected with parasites. The goats were also severely neglected and malnourished and infected with both internal and external parasites.

Three animals — one cow and two goats — had to be euthanized at the scene, Grenham said.

Anyone interested in adopting a cow or goat can contact the MSPCA's Nevin Farm via mspca.org/nevinsadopt.