Bucks County SPCA has taken custody of more than 100 farm animals from Narrow Way Farm in Wrightstown after receiving complaints including photos and videos of sick animals and reports of animals dying. The sickest animals have been removed from the farm.
BCSPCA conducted an animal cruelty investigation after receiving the reports in what the agency called a “large-scale farm animal cruelty and neglect case.”
On Tuesday the BCSPCA Humane Law Enforcement team, with assistance from Newtown Township Police, served a warrant for removal of the animals from at 887 Worthington Mill Road.
Owner Abigail O’Keefe was found to have left the country with no confirmation of when or if she plans to return, an agency spokeswoman said. BCSPCA was able to negotiate with O’Keefe to surrender the farm animals and therefore allow BCSPCA to proceed with their treatment, care, and re-homing.
At the farm, which advertises “sip and snuggle” afternoons cuddling with baby goats, BCSPCA staff found animals living in filthy conditions, dead animals and reports from caretakers of young animals suddenly dying, the agency said. On Tuesday afternoon, 25 of the sickest animals were transported to BCSPCA’s Quakertown Shelter and barn to begin receiving care under the direction of the agency’s Director of Shelter Medicine and in consultation with large animal veterinarians.
Early on Wednesday morning BCSPCA was notified by farm staff that another goat had died overnight. BCSPCA secured the property with assistance from police until a veterinarian from the state could arrive to investigate for any potential contagious diseases. The veterinarian determined that the suspected cause of death for multiple sheep and goats was heavy parasite load, which is largely a problem of the environment, the BCSPCA spokeswoman said. The thin animals had been fed a poor diet, she said.
By Wednesday morning, animals in the care of BCSPCA had already been examined and began receiving medical treatment. Several who were seen to be raising their feet as if lame have been found to have a contagious but treatable condition known commonly as foot scald. Some of the goats appear to have respiratory symptoms, the agency said.
Due to the large number of animals, BCSPCA is asking individuals and groups that are able and willing to adopt some of these animals to contact the organization through its website. Adopters must be located within Pennsylvania and experienced in providing care for farm animals. Interested parties can use BCPSCA’s webform: https://buckscountyspca.org/rescue-assistance/.
The community can donate to BCSPCA’s Animal Relief Fund to help provide for these animals. Anyone with information about this case, or any other case of cruelty and neglect in Bucks County, should report what they know at 844-SPCA-Tip (844-772-2847) or reportcruelty@buckscountyspca.org.
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