Rescue & Adoptions

Past Rescues

Old Town, Maine Cruelty Case

35 suffering farm animals saved and brought "home for the holidays"

Photos of adoption trip and new homes
Press Release

After being subjected to starvation and intense suffering, over 35 rescued farm animals have received a second chance at life. Your support helped bring these severely neglected animals to loving homes across the country for lifelong sanctuary.

In October 2003, state and local agencies launched an investigation in Old Town, Maine, following the discovery of dozens of dead and malnourished animals at the property of Barry Kennedy. What officials discovered inside Kennedy's property was reported by the Associated Press and made headlines across the country.

Twenty four animals were found dead, and dozens more were near death from starvation, according to investigators. In all, over 200 animals, including chickens, cattle, pigs, goats, ducks, rabbits, turkeys, geese, a pony, guinea pigs, white mice, exotic birds, dogs and cats, were languishing in filth and later removed from the property. The "animals and birds had the run of the property and the stench from the feces and decaying animals was strong," said one investigator. Thirty chickens were living inside an abandoned, dilapidated house. A goat was confined in a horse trailer with the decomposing body of another goat. Turkeys were in the back of a pickup truck, and pigs were trapped in over eight-inches of putrid slop and feces.

None of the animals on Kennedy's property had been altered or prevented from breeding, and as a result of starvation, many of those who were pregnant were unable to carry to term. After the animals were relocated to the State of Maine Animal Welfare Society for holding, one female goat died while birthing a stillborn baby, and a pot-bellied pig aborted three stillborn piglets. Over 100 animals had to be euthanized immediately upon arrival. Their suffering was immense.

When Farm Sanctuary was contacted about the case, we knew we had to help. Our New York Shelter was at capacity, however, and these animals could not wait. Our Emergency Response Team immediately began emailing and calling members of our Farm Animal Adoption Network, describing the case and the desperate need for homes. The response was swift and positive.

Within a short period of time, we successfully placed ALL 35 OF THE REMAINING ANIMALS in permanent, adoptive homes in Florida and Texas. The rescued cattle, pigs, sheep and goats relaxed comfortably in a climate-controlled, humane transport trailer – like a big Santa's sleigh for the animals – and made the long journey home to their new families, just in time for the holidays. All arrived safe and sound…and some of the animals, though still weak and underweight, literally kicked up their heels in happiness at the sight of their new homes.

Along the way hundreds of thousands of people learned that farm animals need protection too. Extensive media coverage of this rescue and special adoption effort included television news features, and an Associated Press story, which brought the heartwarming holiday adoption tale to news outlets across the country. Many minds and hearts were opened to the plight of innocent farm animals.

Thanks to the caring adopters who opened their hearts, and homes, 35 animals who previously knew only fear and pain, spent the holidays surrounded by their new families. If you are interested in opening your home to other needy farm animals, please click here.

Update
Barry Kennedy, the Old Town man charged with animal cruelty after more than 200 animals were found suffering on his property, has now been convicted and ordered to pay a $500 fine and $500 in restitution. More importantly, Kennedy has been barred from ever owning animals again, even domestic pets. Grateful to see justice done on behalf of the creatures who suffered so horribly under Kennedy's "care", animal advocates are hailing both the conviction and the sentence imposed on Kennedy by Judge Jessie Gunther.

During the sentencing hearing, Judge Gunther told Kennedy that the state could no longer trust him to properly care for animals. "For whatever reason," Gunther told Kennedy, "you find it impossible to admit that the conditions of your property were atrocious." Kennedy's lawyer Peter Baldacci told the judge that it was never his client's intention to cause his animals to suffer. Kennedy himself, however, admitted that the situation on his Winter Road property did "get out of hand".

After the sentencing hearing, Penobscot County District Attorney Christopher Almy said he was satisfied with the judge's mandate. Mr. Baldacci, however, called the judge's decision "disappointing". Defending his client as a well-meaning man who rescued animals no one else wanted and who worked hard to clean up his property, Mr. Baldacci said that Mr. Kennedy was "not a risk" to animals. "We were hoping that the judge would allow at least domestic pets," Balducci said. Acknowledging that Mr. Kennedy was likely not intentionally cruel to his animals, Anne Jordan, a representative for the Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals nonetheless called the judge's decision "appropriate". No matter what Mr. Kennedy's intentions, she said, "…it's clear that he didn't see the horrific nature of what was happening on his property".

Our thanks to everyone who wrote letters encouraging District Attorney Almy to prosecute this case. By working together on this cruelty case, we have once again sent a strong message that farm animal abuse and neglect should never be tolerated or excused. On behalf of the farm animals rescued from Mr. Kennedy's property, and in memory of those who died under his care, we thank you for your compassion and commitment.

"These animals have certainly suffered enough already. I'm very glad Angela referred us to your sanctuary. We have no like resource in our state. We're very grateful for Farm Sanctuary's screening, placement and investigative assistance for these poor animals."

Christine Fraser, DVM — Animal Welfare Program, Maine