Surely many times you have heard the phrase:”rescue animals”, “rescue dogs”, rescue cats”, “rescue horses”, “rescue wild animals”. ..
Animal rescue – Animal rescue organizations around the world
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Animal rescue is a crucial social service that safeguards
from perilous situations that frequently involve cruelty and abuse. Many animals end up in shelters because of evictions, costly medical issues, or other unavoidable circumstances. While it is easy to vilify individuals who surrender their animals, as animal advocates, we must remember that people often give up their pets because they believe it is in the pet’s best interest, or because they have exhausted all other options.
What Is Animal Rescue?
What Is Animal Rescue?
Animal rescue is a type of social service aimed at rescuing animals from dangerous or harmful situations, such as neglect, abuse, abandonment, or homelessness. Animal rescue organizations typically take in animals from various sources, such as animal control facilities, owner surrenders, and strays, and provide them with medical care, shelter, and socialization until they are ready to be adopted into loving homes. Many animal rescue organizations also work to educate the public about animal welfare issues and promote responsible pet ownership.
What Is the Difference Between an Animal Rescue and an Animal Shelter?
Differentiating between animal shelters and animal rescues can be challenging, as the terms are often used interchangeably. The definitions of the two terms are not always clear, and some organizations may consider themselves to be both an animal shelter and an animal rescue. In general, animal shelters are facilities that provide housing for animals, while animal rescues are typically foster-based organizations. However, many animal shelters also have foster programs, and some animal rescues partner with boarding facilities to provide temporary housing for their animals. Despite the differences, the ultimate goal of both animal shelters and animal rescues is to help animals in need.
Which Animals Suffer the Most?
Various animal rescue organizations exist to cater to different animals’ needs, including farm sanctuaries that aim to provide a peaceful life for rescued farmed animals, and municipal shelters that deal with cruelty seizures and assist in rehoming cats and dogs. No matter what kind of animal needs help, there is usually a specific organization dedicated to rescuing and caring for them, especially for the most commonly rescued species.
Dogs
Each year, approximately 3.1 million dogs are taken into shelters in the US. This number has significantly decreased from the estimated 3.9 million dogs that were taken into shelters in 2011. These dogs may arrive as strays, be surrendered by their owners, or seized in cases of cruelty. Shelters provide care and rehabilitation for these dogs. While some rescues take in strays or owner surrenders, others focus on rescuing dogs from animal shelters to create more space for additional intakes and to continue the trend of reducing the number of dogs that are euthanized in shelters every year.
- Read Dogs rescue News
Cats
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, approximately 3.2 million cats are taken to animal shelters in the United States each year. These cats come in a variety of ages, conditions, and with different needs, and the shelter staff work to find the best outcome for each animal. This could involve transferring the cat to a facility or rescue that can provide better care, putting them up for adoption, or returning them to their owner.
- Read Cats rescue news
Horses
In the United States, it is estimated that there are between 6,000 to 10,000 horses in rescues. These horses are often surrendered due to various reasons such as health issues, behavioral problems, or unsuitability for their intended use.
Livestock and Poultry
Shelters and rescues take in farmed animals and poultry, often from backyard owners or factory farms. These animals may be rehomed or sent to live at a sanctuary for the rest of their lives.
Wildlife
Wildlife, much like domesticated animals, sometimes require rescue. Wildlife that is rescued is often rehabilitated with the objective of eventually releasing them back into their natural habitat. Those animals that cannot be returned to the wild may be humanely euthanized due to their condition or placed in captivity at a sanctuary, zoo, or other appropriate facility capable of providing the necessary care.
How to recognize a reputable animal rescue organization
Here are some tips on how to identify a reputable animal rescue organization:
- Check their website: A reputable animal rescue organization will have a professional and up-to-date website with information about their mission, programs, and services. They should also have clear contact information, including a phone number and email address.
- Look for reviews and ratings: Check online reviews and ratings for the rescue organization on platforms such as Google, Yelp, or Facebook. Positive reviews and high ratings are good indicators of a reputable organization.
- Check for accreditation: Look for accreditation from a recognized organization such as the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries or the American Sanctuary Association. These organizations have rigorous standards and can help ensure that the rescue organization is operating ethically.
- Inquire about their adoption process: A reputable animal rescue organization will have a thorough adoption process that includes background checks, home visits, and references. They should also provide education and support for adopters to ensure that the animals are placed in safe and loving homes.
- Ask for references: Don’t be afraid to ask for references from other people who have adopted animals from the organization. A reputable rescue organization should be happy to provide references and share success stories about their adoptions.
Remember, it’s important to do your research before adopting an animal from any organization. By following these tips, you can help ensure that you are supporting a reputable and ethical animal rescue organization.