Happy Ending For Rescued Farm Animals

After starvation and intense suffering, over 35 rescued farm animals have now begun a new life in loving, humane homes, thanks to Farm Sanctuary and its network of caring supporters across America.

In October, 2003, state and local agencies launched an investigation in Old Town, Maine, following the discovery of dozens of dead and malnourished animals at the property of Barry Kennedy.

What officials discovered inside Kennedy's property was reported by The Associated Press and made headlines across the country.

Twenty four animals were found dead, and dozens more were near death from starvation, according to investigators. In all, over 200 animals, including chickens, cattle, pigs, goats, ducks, rabbits, turkeys, geese, a pony, guinea pigs, white mice, exotic birds, dogs and cats, were languishing in filth and later removed from the property.

The "animals and birds had the run of the property and the stench from the feces and decaying animals was strong," said one investigator.

Thirty chickens were living inside an abandoned, dilapidated house. A goat was confined in a horse trailer with the decomposing body of another goat. Turkeys were in the back of a pickup truck, and pigs were trapped in over eight-inches of putrid slop and feces.

None of the animals on Kennedy's property had been altered or prevented from breeding, and as a result of starvation, many of those who were pregnant were unable to carry to term.

After the animals were relocated to the State of Maine Animal Welfare Society for holding, one female goat died while birthing a stillborn baby, and a pot-bellied pig aborted three stillborn piglets.

Over 100 animals had to be euthanized immediately upon arrival. Their suffering was immense.

When Farm Sanctuary was contacted about the case, they knew they had to help, but their New York Shelter was at capacity and these rescued animals could not wait.

Farm Sanctuary's Emergency Response Team immediately began emailing and calling members of its Farm Animal Adoption Network, describing the case and the desperate need for homes.

The response was swift and positive.

Thanks to the reponse from caring individuals across America, all 35 of the surviving animals now have permanent, adoptive homes in Florida and Texas.

The rescued cattle, pigs, sheep and goats made the long journey to their new families just in time for the holidays, comfortably snuggled in a climate-controlled, professional humane transport trailer. All arrived at their new homes safe and sound.

Some of the animals, though still weak and underweight, literally kicked up their heels in happiness at the sight of their new homes, according to Farm Sanctuary.

"These animals have certainly suffered enough already," said Christine Fraser, DVM, of the Animal Welfare Program in Maine. "We're very grateful for Farm Sanctuary's screening, placement and investigative assistance for these poor animals."

Meanwhile, Old Town police have charged Kennedy with misdemeanor animal cruelty, which in Maine carries a maximum sentence of 364 days in jail and a $2,000 fine, but a trial date has not been set and it is uncertain whether District Attorney Christopher Almy will prosecute the case.

Farm Sanctuary is urging members of the public to send polite letters thanking District Attorney Almy for his department's work on the case, but urging him to prosecute to the full extent of the law and seek maximum penalties for this cruelty.

Contact details for Almy, and more information about the case, can be found on the Farm Sanctuary Web site at:
www.farmsanctuary.org/adopt/rescue_maine.htm

© 2004 Animal News Center, Inc.