About 80 animals have been seized from a property in the Somerset County town of Solon after state animal welfare agents executed a search warrant and concluded they needed “urgent care,” state officials said in a news release Tuesday afternoon.
Animal Welfare Program officials took the animals Tuesday morning — including dogs, cats, chickens and horses — to an emergency shelter. Officials did not specify where the Solon property is or to whom the animals belonged, saying only the investigation was ongoing and charges were possible.
Animals are removed Tuesday morning from a property in Solon after state officials executed a search warrant and seized about 80 of them. Photo courtesy of Maine Animal Welfare
“While in state custody, the animals will be given medical and behavioral evaluations and needed care,” state officials said in the news release. “Once custody is determined by the court, possible new homes for the animals can be found. Animal Welfare will work with animal sheltering partners across the state to find new homes for the animals.”
Contacted by phone, Jim Britt, director of communications for the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, declined to release any additional details about the case, citing the pending investigation. Britt would say only that the animals were seized at 8 a.m. Tuesday, but he refused to say where.
Elizabeth Giroux, Solon’s animal control officer, declined to comment when reached by phone, and she directed questions to Britt.
The agriculture department said in its release that about dozen organizations and agencies provided volunteers and assistance in the case, including the Franklin County Animal Shelter and Kennebec Valley Humane Society.
“Many animal shelters and County Animal Response Teams are assisting in the care for these animals while in state custody,” the release said. “Donations can be dropped off at local animal shelters. Needed items include pads and blankets, towels, sheets, dog toys, paper towels, cleaning supplies and dog food/treats. Anyone interested in helping animals in their community should inquire with their local animal shelter.”
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