ASPCA Places Nearly 230 Animals from Westport, Mass. Cruelty Case with Rescue Groups Across Eight States

Animals surrendered by defendants have been placed with rescue groups for adoption
September 6, 2016

Westport, Mass.—After more than a month of receiving medical care and behavioral enrichment, nearly 230 animals of various species rescued by the ASPCA® (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) at the request of Westport Police Department in late July were transported to rescue groups throughout Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Maryland, Vermont and Maine.

The ASPCA worked with its network of rescue groups and shelters to find suitable placement options for animals—including rabbits, chickens, geese, equines and fish—that were legally surrendered to local authorities.

Agencies that received animals from the ASPCA include:

  • Animal Welfare Society (Kennebunk, Maine)
  • Catskill Animal Sanctuary (Saugerties, N.Y.)
  • Chautauqua County Humane Society (Chautauqua, N.Y.)
  •  Humane Society of Chittenden County (South Burlington, Vt.)
  • Connecticut Humane Society (Newington, Conn.)
  • Days End Farm Horse Rescue (Woodbine, Md.)
  • Forever Paws Animal Shelter (Fall River, Mass.)
  • House Rabbit Network (Woburn, Mass.)
  • MSPCA Cape Cod (Centerville, Mass.)
  • MSPCA (Boston, Mass.)
  • Potter League for Animals (Middletown, R.I.)
  • SPCA Serving Erie County (Tonawanda, N.Y.)
  • Sweet Binks Rabbit Rescue (Foster, R.I.)
  • Tamerlaine Farm Animal Sanctuary (Montague Township, N.J.)
  • West Place Animal Sanctuary (South Tiverton, R.I.)

“We are incredibly grateful for our response partners who are supporting this massive operation by sending volunteers to care for these animals, as well as taking in animals who now have a second chance in life,” said Jessica Rushin, senior manager of ASPCA Partnerships. “After seeing how these animals were living, we’re excited to help them find new homes.”

On July 28, the ASPCA began assisting the Westport Police Department with the care and sheltering of more than 1,000 farm animals of various species found living on a 70-acre property in Westport. The ASPCA subsequently moved the animals to an emergency shelter at an undisclosed location and has been providing daily care and behavioral enrichment. To date, the ASPCA has deployed more than 360 responders from 28 agencies since late July to support its sheltering operation.

The ASPCA is assisting local and state officials with the criminal case and ongoing investigation. The remaining animals will be cared for at the emergency shelter until their custody is determined

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About the ASPCA®
Founded in 1866, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) was the first animal welfare organization to be established in North America and today serves as the nation’s leading voice for vulnerable and victimized animals. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation with more than two million supporters nationwide, the ASPCA is committed to preventing cruelty to dogs, cats, equines, and farm animals throughout the United States. The ASPCA assists animals in need through on-the-ground disaster and cruelty interventions, behavioral rehabilitation, animal placement, legal and legislative advocacy, and the advancement of the sheltering and veterinary community through research, training, and resources. For more information, visit www.ASPCA.org, and follow the ASPCA on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok.

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