When Animals Need Rescuing From Their ‘Rescuers’

Not all animal “rescues” are what they claim to be. Every month, sick, malnourished, and dying animals must be rescued from deplorable conditions at self-professed “rescue” facilities. While claiming to “save” animals from euthanasia, they sentence animals to fates far worse than death —including spending the rest of their lives locked up in a cage if they aren’t adopted.

Here are a few recent cases:

• Authorities removed 11 emaciated and severely neglected Rottweilers from Second Chance Rottweiler Rescue in Yolo County, California, where they were found living amid their own feces. The animals’ conditions reportedly ranged from serious to critical, and three dogs were found dead at the property. Multiple counts of cruelty-to-animals charges were being considered.
• Approximately 222 animals were seized from a “no-kill” facility called the Frank Barchard Memorial Shelter in Wolfe City, Texas, after authorities found them cruelly confined and in need of veterinary care. Two kittens, one cat, and a puppy were apparently found dead. Investigators reportedly said that other animals had been found suffering from open wounds, eye and nasal discharge, hair loss, open surgery incisions, matted hair, tick infestation, long nails, missing eyes, and other health problems. Some were also underweight.
• A former volunteer with Macon Purrs N Paws Humane Society in Macon, Georgia, was charged with 17 counts of aggravated cruelty-to-animals after 15 cats and dogs were found “alive but in bad shape” in an abandoned house that had no running water, electricity, or air conditioning. The animals had apparently been without food, water, and other care for at least two days, and rescuers had to wear face masks because of the strong foul odor. The cats were reportedly found in small carriers with little room to move and no access to litterboxes. One cat was found dead.

These cases are reminders of why it’s important to vet any facility thoroughly before entrusting it with an animal. If you must part with your animal companions  or if you find stray cats or dogs, make sure they don’t end up hoarded, neglected, or abused. Instead, take them to an established, well-run open-admission shelter that accepts every animal in need and provides a painless exit through euthanasia when it’s in an animal’s best interests. And please, help prevent more animals from needing rescue in the first place—always spay and neuter your animals and encourage everyone you know to do the same.