HADLEY, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- The MSPCA has confirmed that the number of animals rescued from a neglect situation in Hadley has increased to over 250, more than 100 animals since the story was first reported on Wednesday.

The rescued animals ranged from farm animals to exotic birds to wildlife. The original count totaled 150 animals but, after the MSPCA completed the operation, they almost doubled the number in their update. “There are a number of animals that are significantly underweight, animals that have medical issues that need treatment,” said Mike Keiley, vice president of the Animal Protection Division at MSPCA-Angell.

Keiley said the scale of the rescue presents significant challenges for the organization. “The numbers we’re talking about sometimes exceed the numbers of animals a smaller organization may see an entire year and we’re getting them all in one day,” he explained. “Bringing in 250 animals into our system is overwhelming. This is not an easy thing to do, bringing an entire farm of animals onto our facilities.”

The rescue also came during the busiest time of year for the MSPCA’s farm department because “winter conditions do create more concerns,” Keiley noted.

The MSPCA tried to prevent the seizure warrant before the rescue operation. “I think it’s fair to say that we have been trying to work with this owner to address the issues of feed, appropriate feed, water and shelter,” Keiley added.

Now that the hundreds of animals are safe from those conditions, the next step is rehabilitation. For animals considered wildlife and not pets, the MSPCA will work with the Mass. Environmental Police and MassWildlife to address their needs.

Keiley said all of this work can only be done with the help of the public. “To protect animals, we need the public’s help with that and encourage people to call our law enforcement department and report that or report to the local police department if they do suspect any animal neglect or cruelty,” he added.

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