Resources

The NRT encourages anyone interested in purchasing a  juvenile or adult animal to thoroughly research the care, physical needs, and life expectancy of the type of animal being considered. Instead of giving baby live animals as gifts, please consider stuffed toys, donations to rescue organizations, or becoming a foster home for a rescue animal in need of support. Each year thousands of animals become homeless after being given as gifts because their owners cannot properly care for them. 
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Do you see a wild animal who is injured, abandoned, or sick?  Do you need to find a new home for an animal you currently have?  
There are many local organizations who can help you find a safe place for the animal.  
The NRT of Easton cannot accept any domestic, farm, or wild animals from individuals,  including hens, roosters, rabbits, goats, or sheep.
If you need assistance with an animal, whether wild or domestic, please read below to find the appropriate resource for your needs.
Domestic Animal Assistance

If you are thinking of getting a flock of backyard chickens or other livestock, we encourage families to check with their local city/town health department or animal control office and their homeowners association prior to purchasing birds. Many municipalities and HOA's have regulations regarding livestock. Checking before you buy minimizes problems later.

Other domestic animal resources:
Animal Protection Center of Southeastern Massachusetts
508.586.2053
1300 West Elm St.
Brockton, MA 02301
http://www.apcsm.org/

Mansfield Shelter Friends
508.261.7339
http://www.mansfieldshelter.org/index.html

Animal Rescue League of Boston
657.777.2752
http://www.arlboston.org/

Methuen Animal Care and Adoption Center at Nevins Farm
Farm Animal Rescue
978.687.7453
400 Broadway
Methuen, MA 01844
http://www.mspca.org/adoption/methuen-nevins/ 

Additional resources may be available from your local animal control agent, veterinary office, or agricultural extension service. Contact information for these resources is generally available online for your state or local area.

Why can't the NRT accept domestic animals such as chickens, llamas, and rabbits? 
As our frequent visitors know, we have many domestic animals at Sheep Pasture that we all care about very much. Our small animals are often used for educational programs, and our chickens produce eggs that are very popular with area residents. Our sheep, cow, and goats are popular with visitors to our farm, too. 

For the safety and well being of our animals, we cannot take pets from individuals because we do not have the necessary separate facilities to quarantine and integrate them for long periods of time. Also, we receive many, many requests to take animals throughout the  year, and we would be unable to care for even a fraction of the animals offered to us. 

If you have a domestic animal who is in need of a new home or special care, please see the animal services listed above. 
Wildlife Assistance

​Depending on the situation, wildlife issues may be resolved either at the local or state level. If you have a situation where there is an injured wild animal of any kind, please either contact your local animal control office or Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife for directions. Contact information for MF&W is available at the bottom of this page. Please do not approach or handle wildlife unless otherwise instructed by professionals.
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Easton, MA Animal Control*
508.230.3353
Animal Control Officer/Animal Inspector
Town of Easton's website
* If you live outside of Easton, please contact your local animal control department with emergencies or questions, or use the Massachusetts Fisheries and Wildlife contact information at the bottom of this page for further resources and information. Each state has its own wildlife and fisheries agency which can provide valuable information for residents. 

New England Wildlife Center
781-682-4878
500 Columbian Street
South Weymouth, MA 02190
http://wildlife-education-center.com/

Animal Rescue League of Boston
657.777.2752
http://www.arlboston.org/

​​Why can't the NRT retrieve or accept wildlife that is injured? 
We care very deeply about all animals in the natural world, but we are not licensed as wildlife rehabilitators, as would be required to care for sick or injured wildlife in Massachusetts. Although we have a beautiful natural space, we are not equipped to meet the intense special needs of these animals. To learn more about wildlife rehabilitation or for contact information from the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, please visit their website for more information. 

If you find an injured wild animal, please do not approach it or pick it up without instructions. Contact either your local animal control office or the main office of  Mass Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (or your state resource) and they will be able to direct you to an appropriate agency:

Division of Fisheries & Wildlife
1 Rabbit Hill Road 
Westborough, MA 01581
(508) 389-6300
mass.wildlife@state.ma.us