Crime & Safety

Animal Cruelty Investigation Launched At Falmouth Horse Farm

The MSPCA visited the farm Tuesday after photos posted online appeared to show underweight horses.

The MSPCA has opened an animal cruelty investigation at Smithfield Farm.
The MSPCA has opened an animal cruelty investigation at Smithfield Farm. (Google Earth Screenshot)

FALMOUTH, MA — The MSPCA has launched an animal cruelty investigation into a local horse farm. The organization visited Smithfield Farm Tuesday after images shared on local Facebook groups appeared to show underweight horses.

"The MSPCA can confirm that it visited Smithfield Farm on Aug. 20, 2019 and has opened an animal cruelty investigation," a spokesperson for the MSPCA wrote in an email to Patch.

Photos purportedly taken at the farm showed horses with their vertebrae and ribs visible, prompting outcry on social media Monday night. Owner Janice Foster did not respond to a Patch request for comment.

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The farm was established in 2000 and offers boarding, riding lessons, summer camps and horses available for sale. The space includes indoor and outdoor rings, as well as on-site riding trails.

The property was listed on the market for $2.9 million earlier this year.

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