The Susquehanna SPCA took in a group of farm animals from a Guilford residence Tuesday, Feb. 10 after the owners were no longer able to care for them.
Executive Director Stacie Haynes said Monday, Feb. 16 that the group’s took in four dogs, two horses, two chickens, a sheep, a pig and a cat.
She said the SQSPCA took action after it received a tip through its hotline Monday, Feb. 9 that the owners had left the property, adding that they could not find anybody to care for the animals.
Haynes said she believed the animals had been abandoned for about a week.
“It went really smoothly,” Haynes said. The owners were “so cooperative,” she added, and were grateful for the help.
The horses, chickens, sheep and pig are being housed at the SQSPCA’s farm property in Middlefield.
Haynes said that after the SQSPCA received the call, representatives from the SQSPCA visited the scene and worked to shelter the animals in place for the night.
Haynes said this involved temporarily ensuring the animals were safe, providing them with food and water. She said the residence was “deep into the woods of Chenango County,” and it was starting to get dark Monday, so they decided to visit the property for the official rescue the following day.
Animals were hungry and thirsty, but not emaciated, Haynes said. In any rescue case, however, a medical evaluation must take place, she added. Veterinarians did not find any major medical issues. The animals are all up for adoption now, except one of the horses that has been claimed.
“Every animal is different and has different needs,” Haynes said.
If families are looking to adopt one of the animals, the SQSPCA can help them understand the different elements of care they require, Haynes said. She added that the SQSPCA wants to work with people looking to adopt and educate them to become responsible owners.
Samantha Ceresna, the farm manager, said Monday that the farm now houses more than 20 animals, including two horses and one mini horse, eight goats, one sheep, two pigs, three geese, five ducks and two chickens.
She said farm staff have been working to get the new animals up to date with mandatory vaccinations and other elements of basic care. Ceresna said with SQSPCA’s full-time large animal veterinarian Dr. Christine Schneider, it can provide castration surgery for the sheep and dental work for the horses. The SQSPCA is happy to be a “stepping stone” on these animals’ paths to adoption, Ceresna said.
“They are very friendly and sweet animals,” she said.
The Here to Help Hotline can be reached at 607-547-8111 ext. 108. According to the SQSPCA website, all calls are confidential and free.