The Humane Society Assists Authorities In Rescuing More Than 125 Neglected Farm Animals In Prince George’s County, Maryland

Photo by Meredith Lee/The HSUS

Last week, the Humane Society of the United States assisted the Prince George’s County Animal Services Division in seizing more than 125 animals from an alleged large-scale cruelty situation in Prince George’s County, Maryland. The species found on the property included: geese, chickens, peafowl, pigs, cattle, goats and rabbits.

Prince George’s County officials served a search and seizure warrant on the property at approximately 10 a.m. During the execution of the warrant, the animals appeared to suffer from neglect and were living in filthy conditions.

According to the The Washington Post, “A video from the rescue shows goats running amid muddy fields, pigs with overgrown hoofs, and crowded unclean pens. Cows stood in dilapidated barns and chickens overlooked flooded areas. The groups served a search-and-seizure warrant on the property in the messy snowstorm Thursday morning.

Two veterinarians assessed the animals and documented their current condition. They identified any animals in need of immediate medical treatment and ensured that they would receive it. Many of the animals were classified as too thin and provisions are being made for their care, including upgrades in bedding and housing, as well as providing feed.

“As our team worked through the sleet and rain today, it was heartbreaking to see these animals exposed to the elements and appearing to suffer from neglect,” said Emily Hovermale, Maryland State Director for the Humane Society of the United States in a statement. “We are thankful to Prince George’s County Animal Services Division for helping these animals and for requesting our assistance.”

“We are grateful for the support from the Humane Society of the United States in assisting us in protecting the welfare of these animals under such extreme conditions,” said Rodney Taylor, Associate Director of Prince George’s County Animal Services Division. “We are committed to helping save the lives of all animals in need and encourage anyone that sees an animal in distress to contact our office to investigate.”