When you drive into the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA) facilities at Nevins Farm in Methuen, MA, you will be welcomed by rolling pastures and fields of happy and healthy horses and farm animals. Amidst the pastoral setting, it is easy to forget the incredible hard work that is being accomplished at this working farm. The Equine/Farm Animal Program at the MSPCA – Nevins Farm serves as a safe landing place for animals who have been rescued by the Humane Law Enforcement program as well as farm animals who need a home in event of an owner surrender.
A Soft Landing
According to Elizabeth Monteith, the Manager of Equine and Farm Animal Program at MSPCA at Nevins Farm, “Originally, Nevins Farm was donated to the MSPCA-Angell in 1918 by Harriet Nevins as a rest place for working horses. Carriage, police, and other working horses would come to Nevins to rest on the 55 acres of gorgeous, rolling pasture prior to returning to work.” As machines and vehicles took the place of the working horse, the Equine/Farm Animal Program at the MSPCA – Nevins Farm adapted into what it is today.
Not only is the MSPCA at Nevins Farm one of the very few properties in the country that has a small animal rescue, an equine/farm animal rescue, and pet cemetery all on one property, but the Equine/Farm Animal Program is unique in and of itself. “Basically, our program takes in horses and other farm animals through various means,” Elizabeth explains. “A large part of this is our Law Enforcement team, which is a group of State Officers who work for the MSPCA throughout the state [of Massachusetts] to enforce animal neglect and cruelty. When an animal is not getting the care they need, we team up to get the animal to safety. We also take in animals through owner surrender, which is when someone reaches out to rehome their animal.”
The program has also had huge success in the past few years by assisting some people in placing their animals in private homes. “This approach means that the animals never need to go through the stress of coming here,” Elizabeth says. Another benefit to the rehoming assistance is that it leaves the facility and team better prepared to take on large Law Enforcement cases. “We took in 18 goats earlier this year, 400 chickens the year prior, and seven Percheron horses the year before that!” she exclaims. In addition to horses, they also care for cows, goats, pigs, chickens, barn cats, and any other farm animal in need. The attached small animal rescue takes on dogs, cats, guinea pigs, parrots, and other exotic animals.
Once at the farm, they rehabilitate the animals with the end goal of adopting them out to equestrians and farm animal enthusiasts in the surrounding areas. The personality and health of the animals are carefully evaluated, so that they can be optimally matched with potential adopters. They also work with the horses to provide basic in-hand and under saddle training which would ensure a more successful adoption experience.
At the end of the day, MSPCA at Nevins Farm is focused on doing what is best for the animals, no matter what it may be. From assisting law enforcement to educating owners on how to properly care for their animals, they take a well-rounded approach to helping animals thrive in their environment.
Life on the Farm
Much like any other farm,a typical day at MSCPA starts bright and early with feeding and cleaning throughout their multiple barns and outbuildings. “Once we get everyone fed and cleaned, each day looks a little different,” says Elizabeth. Many days have structured enrichment programs to ensure all the animals in the shelter are kept busy and mentally happy. The staff members also provide training for the pigs and horses, in addition to meeting with adoption/surrender appointments, and much, much more.
“We have our core staff who do much of the evaluating, training, and adoption/surrender activities, but that all wouldn’t be possible without the huge amount of support we get from our volunteers and donors,” explains Elizabeth. In 2019, their incredible group of volunteers contributed 50,335 hours across the farm, shelter, special events, cemetery, and more. “That’s the equivalent to 24 full-time, year-round staff,” she continues. “We truly couldn’t do what we do without them.” They also run the MSPCA Tack Box, which raises money for the animals through donated tack and equine equipment.
How to Help
The non-profit organization is always looking for volunteers to work at the farm, as well as animal lovers with space in their heart and their homes to adopt a member of the farm. “We always would love to talk to anyone looking to add a new pet to their family whether that’s a horse, goat, pig, chicken, dog, or cat,… literally everything finds a home at Nevins!” Elizabeth explains. “I would love for more people to know what we do and to come visit our amazing facility if they can (when it’s safe to do so). I’m the happy home to an MSPCA alum horse and a barn cat, through our Working Cat Program.” Learn more about the adoption process by visiting their website.
Additionally, monetary donations help keep the organization running. Consider making a donation in memory of or in honor of your beloved equine companion.
There is another way to help as well! From May 15 to May 17, 2020, Nutrena Horse Feeds will donate $5 to MSPCA at Nevins Farm for every Nutrena or ProElite horse feed purchase at The Cheshire Horse. This is a great opportunity to feed both your horses and rescue animals in need.