HADLEY, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- An attorney representing the owner of a Hadley property, from which over 300 animals were seized, is speaking out.

On January 7, officials located 315 animals - ranging from goats to cows to wildlife that are illegal to keep as pets in Massachusetts - at Cloa’s Ark, a non-profit animal sanctuary in Hadley. Local law enforcement and MSPCA-Angell removed the animals from the Lawrence Plain Road property and brought them to facilities for medical and nutritional evaluations.

MSPCA-Angell, Mass. Environmental Police, and MassWildlife are determining next steps for the wildlife.

On Thursday, we heard from an attorney representing Patrick Veistroffer, who owns the property. In a statement sent to Western Mass News, Attorney David Mintz said Veistroffer “had been in regular contact and cooperation with MSPCA during the week prior to the raid” and there is a lot more information that will come to light as the investigation continues.

He continued, “In the meantime, Cloa’s Ark will continue to be as cooperative as possible, but we intend to vigorously defend against any narrative that seeks to portray the sanctuary, or its owner, as anything less than committed, caring, compassionate and devoted in their approach to the animal rescue operation.”

The case remains under investigation and those who may need assistance caring for farm animals in both Hampshire and Franklin counties can contact the MSPCA-Angell Equine Relief Program and the Northwest District Animal Protection Task Force.

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