METHUEN, MASS. (WHDH) - The MSPCA at Nevins Farm says it has received overwhelming response to reports of a large amount of goats in need of homes.
The facility says it has received more than 200 emails and phone calls since the story broke. The MSPCA is asking for patience as it works through the large number of inquiries.
In an attempt to help find homes for some of the goats, the Nevins Farm team will host a specific “meet and greet” on May 28. Timing is to be determined but will likely be between 10 a.m. to noon at the facility in Methuen. This is the first meet-and-greet in the program’s history.
On May 12, the Nevins Farm facility received 35 goats of varying ages – babies to adults – after a former owner was forced to surrender them. The owner, whose name was not released, was overwhelmed with his growing population of the animals on his Western Massachusetts farm.
Over the next several days, 11 more goats showed up from the same farm, bringing the total to 46. The MSPCA says it is one of the single-largest goat surrenders in the history of the organization. The goats are a combination of Alpine, Pygmy, and Angora mixes.
Many of the goats tested positive for Coccidia, which is a contagious bacteria that causes intestinal problems. The goats also tested positive for round, whip and tape worms. But the goats are responding well to treatment since being brought to the Nevins Farm facility.
In addition, 10 of the babies, or “kids,” are still nursing, and some of the female goats are pregnant. The MSPCA is housing the females separately from the males, and the males are scheduled to be neutered.
The facility has also spent more than $3,000 caring for the goats, including food, fencing, medicine, and other veterinary care. The MSPCA says adoptions are encouraged for anyone who would like to help but can’t adopt a goat. Donations are tax-deductible.
The MSPCA is reaching out to potential adopters, as space at Nevins Farm is at a premium. The facility asks that adopters have goat care experience and an understanding of the goats’ need for socialization. Adopters should also have other farm animals on their property and be willing to take at least two of the goats.
The facility is also on pregnancy watch; several of the females are expected to give birth soon.
Anyone with specific questions can contact barnstaff@mspca.org.
For more information on adoption, click here.
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