About Us
About Us
The MSSPA
- The MSSPA is a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) and receives no federal, state or local funding
- The organization is funded by a combination of donations, bequests, grants, and fundraising activities
- The Society does not charge for its services and seeks no reimbursement from any public source
The Horses
- Horses are received by the MSSPA from Maine law enforcement officials
- Most of the animals in care at the Society have been abused or neglected
- The goal for each horse is rehabilitation and a new home
- During the pendency of an animal cruelty prosecution, the MSSPA does not comment.
The Care
- MSSPA horses receive the best veterinary care on site
- Eligible horses receive professional training including ground work, riding and driving
- If unsuitable for adoption, horses may live out their natural lives at the farm
Visit the Farm
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, MSSPA is temporarily closed to visitors.
Hours: The MSSPA farm is open to the public daily from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m., including weekends and holidays.
Tours: Facilitated group tours welcomed – please make arrangements in advance by emailing [email protected] or calling (207) 892-3040.
Farm Address: 279 River Road, Windham, ME 04062
Mailing Address: PO Box 10, South Windham, ME 04082
Driving Directions: From I-95 north or south: Take Exit 48 in Westbrook, the exit feeds directly onto Larrabee Rd., stay on Larrabee Road for one-half mile. Turn right onto Rte. 25/Main St., go seven-tenths of a mile. Continue straight onto Cumberland St., go 2.1 miles. Continue straight onto River Road, go 2.7 miles. The MSSPA will be on the right. (Main St., Cumberland St., and River Road turn into one another – just go straight at all intersections and rotaries)
MSSPA History
The Society is unlike any other animal welfare facility in New England. Originally formed in 1872 to protect the horses who pulled Portland’s streetcars and fire engines, the Society now provides shelter services, has access to veterinary medical care, and maintains dozens of equines on its farm facilities.
MSSPA Mission
The mission of the Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals is to provide refuge, rehabilitation, and placement of seized equines, support the placement of surrenders, and educate the public. The vision is the elimination of equine abuse and neglect.
The Society uses its resources to provide direct care to animals who have suffered abuse. The Society promotes humane treatment, training, and use of animals through education and hands-on experiences. It collaborates with other animal-serving agencies to maximize the resources of all.
Society Leadership
Board of Directors
Ben Culver; The Honorable Bill Diamond; Marilyn L. Goodreau, Chairwoman Emeritus; David Jefferson, DVM; Joseph McCarthy; Nancy Mills; Sonya Nadeau; Andrew Robinson, District Attorney; Christopher Rogers; Danny Shaw; Jane Sheehan; Amy Starnes; Roger Timmons; John Trafton; and Debbie Valenti
Officers
Meris J. Bickford, Esq., Vice President, CEO; Kathy Woodbrey, Secretary, Assistant CEO; The Honorable Bill Diamond, Treasurer; and Debbie Valenti, Assistant Treasurer
Of Counsel
Harold C. Pachios, Esq.
Financials