NHSPCA rescues 54 goats from 'extremely unhealthy conditions' at Lee farm

STRATHAM — More than 50 goats living in “filthy” conditions were removed from a farm in Lee.

“The animals were suffering from a variety of serious health concerns, and the veterinarians on site recommended that the animals be removed due to their severe conditions,” the NHSPCA stated in a press release.

The NHSPCA was notified about the unsanitary living conditions and poor health of the herd by a visitor to the farm. When investigators arrived, they found the goats living in "extremely unhealthy conditions." The stalls were filled 2-3 feet deep with hay saturated with urine and feces, according to NHSPCA. The ammonia level in the barn from extensive urine was well over the high healthy limit of 25 ppm and registered 58 ppm, according to officials.

NHSPCA said several adult goats were hobbled and attempting to walk on their knees. Others were suffering from malnutrition and were extremely weak. The animals range in age from newborn to adult, but their exact ages are unknown. Male and female animals were co-mingled, and some of the females are pregnant.

“Water, on a day with temperatures in the 90s, was only available outside where some of the goats were completely unable to reach it,” the NHSPCA stated in a press release.

Tona McCarthy, humane agent and cruelty investigator for the NHSPCA, said deceased animals were found on the property as well.

“The concerned person that made this report did the absolute right thing for these animals,” McCarthy said. “We tried to work with the owner to improve conditions, but it simply didn’t happen, and the animals needed to be removed for their well-being.”

Officials said 54 goats were removed from the farm. Veterinarians are working to assess the condition of each goat and determine the course of treatment.

“We have already lost one adult female since arriving yesterday,” said Lisa Dennison, executive director of the NHSPCA. “She was completely depleted from lack of food and water. While we attempted to give her what she needed, it was simply too late for her. We only hope that we have reached the rest in enough time to bring about healing and better outcomes.”

Including the goats, the New Hampshire SPCA currently has 266 animals in care.

“Animal neglect and cruelty cases have been on the rise over the past 12 months,” Dennison said. “We are seeing it all over the state. This one is particularly difficult because we can see the animals have been suffering for some time, and those that can barely walk need immediate care.”

Dennison said it will be a “long road to recovery” for many of the goats.

“We are grateful that our community is always willing to help when the animals need us,” she said.

How you can help

The NHSPCA is asking for the community’s assistance to help care for the animals. If you would like to help, please make a tax-deductible contribution to the SOS FUND at nhspca.org.

Gifts to the SOS Fund can also be made by phone at 603-772-2921 x 120 or by mail: New Hampshire SPCA, PO Box 196, Stratham, NH 03885. If you would like to help by donating food, a list can be found on their website under “Wish list.”