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MSPCA seeks to rehome 100+ animals seized from Ayer, Massachusetts home

More than 160 animals seized from 77-year-old woman's home

Rescued Ayer, Mass. animals up for adoption
MSPCA-Angell
Rescued Ayer, Mass. animals up for adoption
SOURCE: MSPCA-Angell
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MSPCA seeks to rehome 100+ animals seized from Ayer, Massachusetts home

More than 160 animals seized from 77-year-old woman's home

The MSPCA at Nevins farm is calling for adopters for more than 160 animals rescued by MSPCA Law Enforcement and police from an Ayer, Massachusetts home in February.Ruth Maxant-Schulz, 77, who was arraigned on Monday on 30 counts of animal cruelty, surrendered the animals to the care of the MSPCA, a spokesperson from the organization said.Among the animals are 91 chickens, 11 ducks, eight geese and two ponies. There are also 49 goats, some of whom are pregnant, the MSPCA said.“These animals have been through a lot,” said MSPCA-Angell Vice President of Animal Protection, Mike Keiley. “But now that they’re in our care, we’re focused on helping them get back to good health—including getting them to adequate body weights—and placing into homes where they’ll get the love and care they deserve.”Dr. Anne Staudenmaier, an avian and exotics specialist at Angell West in Waltham, is expected to be among the team caring for any surrendered farm birds in need of advanced assistance.“It’s really fortunate that these animals came to Nevins, where we have access to world-class veterinarians like Dr. Staudenmaier,” said Keiley.Keiley said caring for these animals has put a strain on resources. He estimated that their care has already topped $20,000, with more costs continuing to accrue. The MSPCA is eager to “move adoptable animals as soon as we can,” said Keiley.According to the MSPCA, some of the currently-adoptable animals include goats from the ASPCA in New York. Keiley expects additional surrendered animals from Ayer to become available for adoption over the next two-to-three weeks.Interested adopters can visit Nevins Farm in Methuen during open hours, Tuesday through Sunday, noon to 3 p.m. Adopters may also submit an inquiry at mspca.org/nevinsadopt.

The MSPCA at Nevins farm is calling for adopters for more than 160 animals rescued by MSPCA Law Enforcement and police from an Ayer, Massachusetts home in February.

Ruth Maxant-Schulz, 77, who was arraigned on Monday on 30 counts of animal cruelty, surrendered the animals to the care of the MSPCA, a spokesperson from the organization said.

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Among the animals are 91 chickens, 11 ducks, eight geese and two ponies. There are also 49 goats, some of whom are pregnant, the MSPCA said.

“These animals have been through a lot,” said MSPCA-Angell Vice President of Animal Protection, Mike Keiley. “But now that they’re in our care, we’re focused on helping them get back to good health—including getting them to adequate body weights—and placing into homes where they’ll get the love and care they deserve.”

Dr. Anne Staudenmaier, an avian and exotics specialist at Angell West in Waltham, is expected to be among the team caring for any surrendered farm birds in need of advanced assistance.

“It’s really fortunate that these animals came to Nevins, where we have access to world-class veterinarians like Dr. Staudenmaier,” said Keiley.

Keiley said caring for these animals has put a strain on resources. He estimated that their care has already topped $20,000, with more costs continuing to accrue.

The MSPCA is eager to “move adoptable animals as soon as we can,” said Keiley.

According to the MSPCA, some of the currently-adoptable animals include goats from the ASPCA in New York. Keiley expects additional surrendered animals from Ayer to become available for adoption over the next two-to-three weeks.

Interested adopters can visit Nevins Farm in Methuen during open hours, Tuesday through Sunday, noon to 3 p.m. Adopters may also submit an inquiry at mspca.org/nevinsadopt.