METHUEN, Mass. — The MSPCA at Nevins Farm is waiving adoption fees for dozens of farm animals on Jan. 11 as it grapples to find space for animals coming into the shelter during the cold winter months.
The animal rescue group is hoping to find homes for more than 50 birds, chickens, sheep, pigs, and goats during the one-day event as it looks to free up much-needed space to help animals it expects to take in during the cold winter months, the MSPCA-Angell said Thursday.
Some of the animals that needs homes remain from a major law enforcement case last spring.
“The farm is pretty crowded right now, and it couldn’t be at a worse time,” Erika Tonnon, equine and farm animal placement coordinator at Nevins, said in a statement. “This time of year, we typically take in more farm animals through Law Enforcement investigations because it’s cold, and people run into issues with providing adequate shelter during inclement weather.”
“Those struggling with feed and care also face more challenges in the winter because water freezes and animals can’t rely on grass for grazing,” Tonnon said, adding that Nevins is already over capacity for pigs.
“We recently took in eight pigs from a home, and now we don’t have space to help others, which is why we really need people to adopt this weekend,” she said. “We need to have as much space as possible for the urgent intake needs we’re anticipating.”
The one-day adoptathon begins at 10 a.m. and runs until 2:30 p.m. on Jan. 11. During that time, fees will be waived for chickens, ducks, pigs, goats, and sheep—fees that range from $15 to $400.
“Farm animal adoptions are different than those for traditional pets, like dogs and cats,” expounded Tonnon. “Some require additional testing for interstate adoptions, so goats, sheep, and pigs can go to homes in Massachusetts on the same day, but we’ll need to schedule pick-ups for out-of-state adopters.”
In April, Nevins Farm took in 49 goats from a single property in Ayer. Some of the goats were pregnant.
“We had an adoptathon a couple months later, but some of the goats weren’t ready to find new homes yet, so they’ve kind of been left behind,” Tonnon said.
Tonnon said the group often does not waive fees for goats because they’re generally adopted pretty quickly, “but sometimes animals get stuck, so we’re hoping this adoptathon helps shine the light on their need for a new home.”
According to Tonnon, goats can be great pets even for those who are not experienced caretakers.
“If people have appropriate shelter for them, and they’re willing to learn how to care for them, then they can absolutely adopt,” she said.
Farm birds will be allowed to go home on the same day, regardless of where the adopters live.
Interested adopters are asked to bring photos of where the animals will be housed on their property. Registration is required.
For more information and a registration link, visit the group’s website.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.
Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW