62 Animals Seized from Dudley Property After Months-Long Neglect Investigation

MSPCA says horses first triggered welfare checks; search warrant led to removal of dozens more animals

The Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals removed 62 animals from a Mill Street home in Dudley after months of warnings and a failed attempt to bring the property owner into compliance, according to multiple media reports.

The investigation began several months ago when concerns about horses in poor physical condition were first reported to the MSPCA. When officers visited the property, they found far more than horses living in what the organization described as “unsanitary conditions,” with some animals lacking adequate food and water. According to WHDH, investigators discovered a mix of animals on the property, including horses, chickens, cats, dogs, and goats.

The situation proved even broader. Boston.com reports that animals seized Friday included chickens, ducks, geese, cats, dogs, parrots, ferrets, horses, rabbits, turtles, pigs, and goats. All 62 animals are now being medically evaluated, MSPCA-Angell told the outlet.

A similar account came from WINY Radio, which cited MSPCA spokesperson Sara-Rose Brennar in confirming the range of species taken from the home following the execution of a search warrant on Nov. 14.

MSPCA-Angell Law Enforcement Director Chris Schindler said in a statement quoted across all three outlets that the agency initially tried to work with the property owner, but conditions did not improve.

“Upon opening an investigation, we discovered dozens of animals, including horses, were living there in unsanitary conditions, some without adequate access to food and water… the property owner did not come into compliance… so on Friday we executed a search warrant and seized over 60 animals,” Schindler said, according to the reports.

He added that “this kind of large operation puts an immense strain on our own capacity, but these animals needed help and we knew we had to pull out all the stops to get it for them.”

The animals are currently in the MSPCA’s care as the investigation continues.