Rhode Island SPCA and Bonniedale Farms
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I would like to take this opportunity to offer my heartfelt thanks to Dr. Ernest Finnochio, the head of the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RISPCA), Dr. Scott Marshall, the Rhode Island state veterinarian, and all of the other men and women who came together to see to the best interests of the animals at Bonniedale Farm. These people deserve a huge round of applause for stepping forward and making the best out of a bad situation.
History of Bonniedale Farm
Bonniedale Farm, located in Glocester, RI, was owned by Daniel J. MacKenzie until a few days ago. Mr. MacKenzie operated the farm as an animal sanctuary, keeping a variety of animals, including horses, goats, sheep, dogs, cats, ducks, geese, pigs and others.
Apparently, Mr. MacKenzie began to have financial difficulties and, in the spring of this year, he was notified by Wells Fargo bank that his property was in danger of foreclosure due to unpaid mortgage payments.
Wells Fargo Forecloses on Property, Evicts Owner, Allegedly Neglects Animals
On Monday, December 10, 2009, Wells Fargo bank foreclosed on the property, evicting Mr. MacKenzie and, according to Mr. MacKenzie, giving him 10 minutes to vacate the property. Unfortunately, the bank, which now claims that the foreclosure and eviction was actually carried out by American Home, made no provisions for the animals remaining on the property.
Upon hearing of the foreclosure, Dr. Finnochio and Dr. Marshall communicated to the bank that the animals were now their responsibility. They were allegedly assured that all of the animals would be cared for properly. However, on arrival at the farm the following day, the doctors soon realized that at least several of the animals had not been watered. After caring for the animals themselves, with the aid of several other volunteers, alternative arrangements were made. Students from the University of Rhode Island agricultural department were enlisted to provide care for the animals until permanent arrangements could be made.
Another concern which Dr. Finnochio noted on visiting the farm the day following the eviction was the fact that several of the animals had disappeared. Mr. MacKenzie also stated that he witnessed several animals being transported off of the farm, without his permission, and apparently no one knew where these animals were. According to his lawyers, even though the foreclosure had occurred, the animals were still considered to be Mr. MacKenzie’s property and he had the right to reclaim them when and if his financial situation was rectified.
At this point, Mr. MacKenzie asked the courts to intercede on his behalf. Thankfully, an agreement was reached with the RISPCA, Mr. MacKenzie and Wells Fargo bank allowing the RISPCA to take custody of the animals, remove them from the property and place them in foster homes until permanent homes could be located for them.
RISPCA Takes Custody of Animals From Bonniedale Farm
As of December 11, 2009, the RISPCA now has custody of all of the animals remaining on the farm and has transported them to safe havens where they will receive proper care and treatment until such time that they can be placed in permanent homes. Over the past week, Dr. Finnochio and many others have worked tirelessly, never forgetting that the best interests of the animals had to be served. They, together with the courts and lawyers involved, were able to reach an agreement acceptable to all parties and implement that agreement on very short notice. Numerous volunteers stepped forward from within Rhode Island and nationwide to create a safe environment for these animals and provide adequate housing and care. The achievement and accomplishment of the goal deserves celebration and congratulations.
Fund Set up Through RISPCA for Bonniedale Farm Animals
A fund supporting the care of the Bonniedale Farm animals has been set up through the RISPCA. Wells Fargo bank has promised a donation of $25,000 to the fund. Anyone wishing to donate should contact the RISPCA directly and indicate that the donation is for the Bonniedale Farm fund.
In closing, it is clear that the RISPCA is doing terrific work. They have succeeded in accomplishing the goal of providing for the best interests of the animals at Bonniedale Farm, even when other organizations and individuals seemed to forget that there were animal lives at stake in this situation. Furthermore, they will continue to play a large role in looking after the welfare of the animals here in Rhode Island, a never-ending battle that requires determination and persistence.
