STRATHAM, N.H. — About three dozen animals were rescued Tuesday evening from a Stratham residence in a suspected animal cruelty case.
Sandown Police and the New Hampshire SPCA gathered the animals, which included four horses, six alpaca, six goats, a cat, three chickens, three doves and 14 ducks and geese. All of the animals were voluntarily surrendered except for one horse and one goat.
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New Hampshire SPCA said the animals had been subjected to prolonged neglect and the road to recovery will be extensive and costly, including tests for parasites and disease, vaccinations, refeeding schedules, medical treatments and physical conditioning.
Animal owner Sharon Melanson said, "They asked us to come in and assist in the removal of animals and that's what we did."
Lisa Dennison from the NHSPCA said this was a unique case because of the "variety of animals."
The large number of animals in this case pose a financial difficulty, along with finding places to house the farm animals. The NHSPCA welcomes the public's assistance with a tax-deductible contribution to help.