“Moodini” the steer on the run in Massachusetts looking for new home

BOSTON (WWLP) – “Moodini” the steer was safely rescued after being on the run for nearly two months in Boston.

Boston Animal Control was notified of a young Hereford steer on June 22nd who remained hidden in an area of thick brush. He was spotted again in Roslindale on August 20th when officers were installing a temporary 300-foot pen and began feeding him.

Animal Control lured Moodini to the pen and then contacted the MSPCA-Angell’s Equine and Farm Animal Rescue Team to help bring him to safety. On August 27th, Moodini was safely loaded into a trailer after about two-and-a-half hours due to the location he was in.

“We don’t often get calls about large animals loose in a city, and when we do, it’s usually for wild animals like a moose or a bear, maybe a horse that escaped from a fenced in area,” said Kaycie McCarthy, equine and farm animal outreach and rescue manager at Nevins Farm. “So, this was new territory for us!”

PHOTOS: Moodini safely rescued after being on the run

Moodini is now located at Nevins Farm in Methuen and will get state-mandated testing and medical exams before he’s ready to go to his forever home. Those interested in adopting Moodini are required to have cattle experience, other cattle to keep him company, and the equipment needed to provide the best care. Adoption applications can be found online at mspca.org/nevinsadopt .

“Moodini is a little thin, which isn’t surprising considering he’s been living in the woods in Boston for weeks,” she described. “He needs to gain at least 50 pounds, and we’ll work with him to get there, but we believe he’s healthy enough to be rehomed soon.”

“Moodini is also a little skeptical of humans right now, which makes sense given that he’s been living feral in the woods for months,” added McCarthy. “But we know that he’ll open up and be a great addition to the right family, and we want to find them now, so he’s able to start his new life as soon as he’s ready!”

VIDEO: Fenced path through the woods

The video provided by MSPCA-Angell shows the team walking the path from the trailer to the makeshift stall where Moodini was.

If you are able to donate to MSPCA to help acquire a squeeze chute and other supplies needed for the care of Moodini, visit mspca.org/moo .

“A squeeze chute is expensive, about $8,000, but it’s really important, and Moodini coming to the farm cemented our need,” he added, noting that Nevins Farm usually takes in cattle several times each year.

Local News Headlines

Recent phone scheme costs Hampden County resident $1,000

Second day to check out the 155th Blandford Fair

Better Together Dog Rescue hosts Meet and Greet to help Clear the Shelters

Springfield Police remember Officer Adelbert St. Marie

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.