Animals Rescued from Ludlow Farm Find New Homes

Just over a month after rescuing 35 animals from a Ludlow farm, the MSCPA-Angell announced Tuesday that three of them are being sent off to new homes. 

Two alpacas named Raj and Howie, as well as an emu named Emmet, are being sent to new homes, with more animals, including one pony, to be sent to hew homes later this week. 

The development comes after the MSPCA-Angell's law enforcement department charged the animals' previous owner, Dean Manuel, of Ludlow, with 36 counts of felony animal cruelty, two counts of assault and battery on a police officer and one count of resisting arrest. He was arraigned in Palmer District Court on Feb. 12 and is set for a pre-trial hearing on April 29. 

Manuel was charged after the MSCPA-Angell seized the 35 animals from the property on Feb. 7. Twenty-three of the animals were taken to the MSPCA-Nevins Farm in Methuen, with the remainder taken to the Animals Rescue League of Boston's Dedham facility. 

Most of the animals were found to be suffering from prolonged neglect and starvation, resulting in dental disease, overgrown hooves and internal and external parasites, among other health problems. Thousands of dollars have been spent on the care for the animals, and donors can support the effort through a donation page organized by the MSPCA-Nevins Farm. 

The announcement Tuesday that many of the animals are finding new homes reveals a positive development in the animals' recovery, as two other alpacas named Lenny and Sheldon are going to new homes, according to the MSCPA.

Currently, 18 animals, including a mix of alpacas, ponies, pigs and piglets, remain at Nevins Farm, all of whom are recovering and expected to find new homes in the months head, according to the MSCPA. Two ponies named Jelly Bean and Flower are pregnant and due to give birth to a single foal in April. 

"Obviously it's very exciting for all of us to see these animals thriving so soon after their rescue," said Melissa Ghareeb, who oversees care of the organization's farm animals. "Nursing these animals, and indeed all of the creatures in our care, back to health is the most rewarding part of this job. By opening their hearts and homes to  these animals, they have also opened more space at our farm for the next homeless animal who comes to stay with us."