Phone calls, e-mails are being returned after outpouring of support
By Donna M. Perry
Staff Writer

AUGUSTA – Hundreds of people have flocked to the animal shelter either to apply to adopt animals seized in New Sharon or drop off supplies or donations.

The 33 animals the Kennebec Valley Humane Society took in after the state seized about 70 from a New Sharon farm are all doing fine, Executive Director Roxanne Brann said.

The state seized the animals from Carol Murphy allegedly because they were inhumanely treated, lacked food, water and veterinarian care.

“The outpouring of support has been phenomenal,” Brann said. “We already have a big file full of applications.”

Brann said more than 100 people showed up Wednesday after the story appeared on the animals going to the Augusta shelter. Supplies and pet food came in by the truck load. Donations to help pay for veterinarian care have also arrived. More than 100 telephone messages and e-mails, including some from Michigan, Florida and North Carolina have been received and staff members were still trying to return them Friday, Brann said.

Staff members did research on the Internet to find out how to care for some of the more exotic animals, including sugar gliders, a type of flying squirrel, hedgehogs and chinchillas.

The animals are on the road to being healthier, Brann said. “They’re extremely happy,” Brann said. “We noticed that within 24 hours.”

The potbelly pigs have been bathed. Other animals are in cleaner kennels. Birds are preening and cooing, she said.

They’re making happy sounds, she said. “It’s been a wonderful learning experience.”

Brann believes that one potbelly pig, which the staff thought was pregnant but are not sure about that now, would be staying at the shelter.

The pig has been named Athena. “We have fallen in love with her,” Brann said. “I never thought I would fall in love with a pig, but have I.”

dperry@sunjournal.com

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