HADLEY, MA (FRANKLIN COUNTY NOW) — Over 150 animals have been removed from a Hadley property Wednesday.
Investigators with the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals-Angell, animal welfare organization, say they first attempted to work with the property owners to provide adequate shelter and access to food and water for the animals, however efforts were unsuccessful and intervention was deemed necessary.
From MSPCA-Angell:
Farm Birds, Cows, Goats and More Allegedly Living Without Adequate Access to Food, Water, and Shelter Amid Freezing Temperatures
BOSTON, Jan. 7, 2026 – More than 150 animals will soon be resting and recuperating in the care of the MSPCA-Angell after the organization’s Law Enforcement team—with assistance from Hadley Police—removed them from poor conditions at a property in Hadley, the organization announced today.
The majority of the animals are birds, including farm birds like chickens and geese, as well as domestic birds, such as cockatiels and parrots. There are also goats, cows, pigs, sheep, rabbits, and one pony. Additionally, there are some wildlife that are illegal to have as pets in Massachusetts, including a deer and some Canada geese.
“Many of the animals lacked access to food and water,” explained MSPCA-Angell Law Enforcement Director, Chris Schindler. “The majority were also living outdoors without adequate protection from the elements.”
“We attempted to work with the owner of this property to ensure that the animals were getting the care that they needed,” he added. “Ultimately, we weren’t successful, and it was clear that intervention was necessary, so we executed a search and seizure warrant today [January 7] to seize them.”
Following their removal, the animals will be brought to MSPCA-Angell facilities where they will be cared for while the court process plays out.
“An operation of this scale requires all hands on deck from across the organization,” Schindler detailed, noting that the seizure involved three trailers, five vans, and more than 20 staff members across various departments. Hadley Police assisted as well.
“I’m incredibly proud of our team’s dedication and effort to ensure the animals will be safe.”
Seasonal Dangers for Farm Animals
According to Schindler, the winter season poses a unique threat to farm animals.
“The conditions in New England can be really harsh, so even farm animals that are typically housed outside still need shelter to protect them,” he explained. “They also need supplemental feed and hay to maintain their body condition and health.”
“In warmer temperatures, many farm animals get nutrients from grazed grass, but when the ground freezes, that’s no longer an option,” Schindler expounded. “Those animals can rapidly lose weight if their owners aren’t supplementing their diets with additional feed and hay, which is when we may need to step in.”
MSPCA-Angell Law Enforcement comprises a small team responsible for protecting animals in all 351 cities and towns in Massachusetts.
“Our team is busy year-round, and we want to do everything in our power to keep animals safe from abuse and neglect, but we can’t do that without help from the community.”
Issues of concern can be reported to MSPCA-Angell Law Enforcement by phone at (617) 522-6008 or (800) 628-5808, or online at mspca.org/tip.
Those who would like to donate to help support MSPCA-Angell Law Enforcement are asked to give at mspca.org/justice.
