9 Ponies In Berkley Rescued In Joint Effort With Animal Rescue League

DEDHAM, MA - The Animal Rescue League of Boston's Dedham office, MSPCA, Berkley police and Berkley Animal Control recently collaborated to rescue nine ponies from a farm in Berkley, an ARL spokesperson said Monday afternoon.

Three of the ponies were taken to ARL’s Dedham Animal Care and Adoption Center, while the remaining six were transported to MSPCA’s Nevins Farm in Methuen.

"Three of the animals will be looking for new homes soon," according to Mike DeFina at the ARL's Dedham office. "ARL Law Enforcement has also filed animal cruelty charges against the former owner."

According to a statement, the ponies were removed from the Berkley farm due to unsanitary conditions and inadequate access to food and water. Investigators on-scene also discovered three deceased ponies and one deceased horse on the property.

The three ponies with ARL are classified as thin to emaciated, according to DeFina. They scored between a two and three on the six-point Henneke equine scale, which asseses the amount of fat on a horse's body.

The animals are currently on a refeeding plan and are receiving veterinary and farrier care for their hooves. Once they reach a healthy weight, they will be made available for adoption.

The ponies in the care of the MSPCA at Nevins Farm remain isolated from the rest of the animals in the organization’s care. Upon intake they all registered between one and two on the Henneke Equine scale, which classifies them as emaciated. They remain fearful but are slowly warming to the presence of staff and volunteers tending to their needs, and the MSPCA expects they will be available for adoption within weeks.

ARL’s Law Enforcement Department has filed 13 counts of animal cruelty against Gary Bolger, of Berkley, who is scheduled to be arraigned at Taunton District Court on May 18 at 8:30 a.m.

ARL wishes to thank the MSPCA, Berkley Police Department and Animal Control, as well as the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office for their collaboration and steadfast commitment to the health and wellbeing of these animals.