The Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA-Angell) took custody of 84 cats from a residence in Reading following the discovery of a woman’s death last week. The cats were removed by the organization’s law enforcement and community outreach teams and transported to adoption centers located in Boston and Methuen for medical evaluation and care.
The woman, who was found deceased on October 8, has not been publicly identified by the MSPCA-Angell. However, local reports confirmed her identity as Andria Hanafin, 49, a veterinary technician from Dorchester known for fostering cats with special needs. Hanafin’s 22-year-old son, Ryan Hanafin, was subsequently apprehended in Vermont as a person of interest in connection with her shooting death.
While MSPCA-Angell reported receiving 84 cats from the home, police accounts initially described encountering approximately 20 to 30 free-roaming cats and kittens at the scene. The Middlesex District Attorney’s office did not provide clarification on the discrepancy in the number of cats involved.
Chris Schindler, director of law enforcement for MSPCA-Angell, expressed condolences to Hanafin’s family and emphasized the organization’s focus on providing medical attention and recovery for the cats before placing them for adoption. The cats’ health conditions vary, with some requiring treatment prior to becoming available for new homes, while others may be adopted as soon as this week.
According to statements from law enforcement, Matthew Hanafin, the deceased woman’s husband and Ryan Hanafin’s father, mentioned that the family had experienced multiple disputes regarding the cats residing in their home. Those familiar with Hanafin’s work in the animal rescue community noted her specialization in caring for cats with complex medical challenges and behavioral trust issues. She was actively involved with local groups such as Kitty Connection in Medford and sheltering stray animals in Natick, as reflected in social media tributes following her passing.