Narrow Way Farm in Newtown was the scene of over 100 farm animals being removed due to alleged neglect from owner authorities said Tuesday.
The Bucks County SPCA announced they had taken custody of 100+ farm animals from Narrow Way Farm located at 887 Worthington Mill Road, Newtown. The sickest animals have been removed from the farm. Bucks County SPCA conducted an animal cruelty investigation after receiving complaints including photos and videos of sick animals and reports of animals dying, said Bucks County SPCA officials.
The agency’s Humane Law Enforcement team, with assistance from Newtown Township Police, served a warrant earlier this week for removal of the animals. Owner Abigail O’Keefe was found to have left the country with no confirmation of when or if she plans to return. Bucks County SPCA was able to negotiate with O’Keefe to surrender the farm animals and therefore allow Bucks County SPCA to proceed with the treatment, care, and rehoming of the animals, officials said.
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. On Tuesday afternoon, 25 of the sickest animals were transported to Bucks County SPCA’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, officials said.
Early on Wednesday morning, Bucks County SPCA 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 thin animals had been fed a poor diet, said officials.
By Wednesday morning, animals in the care of Bucks County SPCA 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, said SPCA officials.
Due to the large number of animals, Bucks County SPCA is asking individuals and groups who are able and willing to adopt some of these animals to contact the organization through their website. Adopters must be located within Pennsylvania and experienced in providing care for farm animals. Interested parties can use the Bucks County SPCA’s webform https://buckscountyspca.org/rescue-assistance/.
The community can donate to Bucks County SPCA’s Animal Relief Fund to help provide for these animals: buckscountyspca.org/donate
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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