Neglected pets found after fire
After extinguishing a small fire outside a Fitchburg home Wednesday, firefighters found an array of pets neglected by their owner, said Rob Halpin, director of public relations for the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Authorities found eight cats, five kittens, four turtles, three snakes, four rabbits, a pair of tortoises, and more than 60 fish, he said. Because the MSPCA in Methuen did not have the proper equipment to care for the fish, the Petco Foundation donated seven 20-gallon tanks and set-ups, Halpin said. The cats had ear mites and fleas, and the turtles and snakes were thin, but none were severely harmed. Anyone interested in adopting the animals can contact the MSPCA’s Methuen center at 978-687-7453.