METHUEN – Dozens of goats are up for adoption this weekend in Massachusetts, and you don’t have to be a farmer to own one.
Many of the available goats were among the 160 animals recently rescued of a building in Ayer. The owner was charged with 30 counts of animal cruelty. Some of the other goats came from a surrender in New York.
Adoption fees are waived for most goats
A total of 49 goats were brought to the MSPCA at Nevins Farm in Methuen. About 40 of them will be put up for adoption at an open house on Saturday.
The available goats, all of which have horns, are between 5 months and 10 years old. The goat breeds include Nigerian Dwarfs, La Manchas and Alpines.
Adoption fees, which typically range between $150 and $250, are waived for goats over 1 year old.
“We don’t often waive fees for goats because historically they are adopted out fairly soon after arriving on the farm,” Kaycie McCarthy of the MSPCA said in a statement. “But given the number of releases we have had in recent months, our population has increased dramatically, so we must do everything we can to give these animals the loving homes they deserve.”
Goats can make good pets
Are you thinking about adopting a goat? McCarthy said they can be “crazy and funny pets” who like to play, climb and “sneak around like a puppy.”
“People often think they have to be experienced farmers to adopt goats, but that’s not true,” she said. “If they have enough shelter for goats and are willing to learn, that’s all that matters.”
The MSPCA also recommends that potential adopters contact their city to ensure they are allowed to keep goats.
The open house at Nevins Farm is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Registration is not required, but anyone interested can visit the MSPCA website for more information.
