Target: David E. Sullivan, District Attorney of Northwestern Massachusetts
Goal: Prosecute to the fullest extent of the law the animal sanctuary owner charged with 21 felony counts of animal cruelty and seven misdemeanor counts of unlawful wildlife possession after 317 animals of dozens of species were allegedly found malnourished, without adequate food or water, and exposed to the elements.
What officers reportedly found when they executed a search and seizure warrant at a Hadley animal sanctuary was a scene of neglect on a vast and troubling scale. Total of 317 animals — including goats, cows, sheep, pigs, a pony, chickens, geese, ducks, turkeys, peafowl, cockatiels, parrots, parakeets, doves, pigeons, and rabbits, and illegally kept wildlife such as a deer and Canada geese — were reportedly discovered underweight and lacking access to food and water, with the majority living outdoors without adequate protection from the elements. The operation to remove the animals required three trailers, five vans, and more than 20 MSPCA staff members. The owner now faces 21 felony counts of animal cruelty and seven misdemeanor counts of unlawful wildlife possession — and prosecutors have requested that he be prohibited from possessing, owning, or working with any animals while the case is pending.
MSPCA-Angell reported that investigators had attempted to work with the sanctuary owner to improve conditions before resorting to seizure — suggesting neglect persisted even after officials had flagged concerns and sought voluntary compliance. A sanctuary exists for the express purpose of rescuing and protecting animals — yet what was allegedly found at this one was conditions so deficient that 317 animals required emergency removal for veterinary evaluation.
The Northwestern District Attorney’s Office must pursue all 21 felony counts with the maximum force of Massachusetts law, and must ensure that the owner faces a permanent prohibition on animal ownership upon conviction. Sign this petition to demand full accountability for 317 allegedly neglected animals.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear DA Sullivan,
We are writing to urge your office to pursue the maximum penalties available under Massachusetts law against the animal sanctuary owner charged with 21 felony counts of animal cruelty and seven misdemeanor counts of unlawful wildlife possession following the seizure of 317 animals from his Hadley property. According to MSPCA-Angell, many of the animals were underweight and lacked access to food and water, with the majority living outdoors without adequate protection from the elements. The seizure required dozens of staff members, five vans, and three trailers — a scale of operation that speaks to the sheer number of animals who were allegedly suffering.
Perhaps most troubling is the MSPCA’s statement that investigators had attempted to work with the owner before resorting to seizure. A sanctuary that purportedly exists to protect animals allegedly became a place where 317 animals needed emergency rescue. Each of the 21 felony counts in this case represents an animal who allegedly suffered under those conditions, and each deserves to be prosecuted with equal seriousness.
We respectfully but firmly demand that your office pursue conviction and the maximum available sentencing on all 21 felony counts and seven misdemeanor counts, and that a permanent prohibition on animal ownership be sought as part of any resolution. The 317 animals allegedly neglected at this property had no means of seeking help — it is now the justice system’s responsibility to speak for them.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: 1878 power
