More than 300 animals seized from a Hadley property earlier this year are about to get their shot at a second act. The MSPCA’s Nevins Farm in Methuen is presenting the group for adoption this weekend, opening the doors to anyone ready to give a rescued farm animal or bird a stable, long-term home. Many of the animals were found underweight or in need of medical treatment and have spent months recovering in MSPCA care.
How the rescue unfolded
MSPCA-Angell says a total of 315 animals were removed from the Hadley property after its law-enforcement team executed a search-and-seizure warrant on Jan. 7. The haul included goats, cows, sheep, pigs, a pony, farm birds such as chickens, geese, ducks, turkeys and peafowl, domestic parrots and dozens of rabbits, along with wildlife that are illegal to keep as pets in Massachusetts. Many were underweight and exposed to winter conditions, according to The Boston Globe. Officials said the animals were transported to MSPCA facilities across the state for medical exams and nutritional rehabilitation.
Adoption event details
The MSPCA will host an adoption event called “Come Say Hay” from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, June 13–14, at Nevins Farm in Methuen, according to Franklin County Now. The showcase will feature birds, horses, goats, cows and pigs pulled from the Hadley operation, along with other animals that have come into MSPCA care this spring. Organizers say they are focused on placing animals in responsible, long-term homes and moving them into foster or adoptive placements as quickly as is appropriate.
Care and capacity challenges
MSPCA officials described the Hadley removal as a logistically complex operation that required dozens of staff, multiple trailers and assistance from Hadley police. “Removing the animals was a huge operation that took hours,” MSPCA Law Enforcement Director Chris Schindler said, per Western Mass News. Many of the animals remain underweight and will need follow‑up veterinary care and tailored feeding plans, and state wildlife and environmental police are assisting with cases involving non-domestic species, as noted in local coverage.
How to adopt or help
Nevins Farm’s adoption center, located at 400 Broadway in Methuen, lists open adoption hours and contact details on the MSPCA site. Horse and farm-animal adoptions are typically handled by appointment, per the Nevins Farm adoption center. Prospective adopters and foster volunteers are encouraged to review the MSPCA’s adoption requirements, then call or email the Methuen team to confirm which animals are available, what paperwork is needed and how transport will work.
Investigation and owner response
The Hadley property has been operated as Cloa’s Ark animal sanctuary. An attorney for the owner said the sanctuary had been cooperating with investigators and intends to contest any narrative that portrays the operation as neglectful, according to the Daily Hampshire Gazette. Authorities say the investigation is ongoing and that any criminal or civil decisions will come after evidence and veterinary findings are fully reviewed.
