Most people would agree that Rhonda Rose did the right thing when she rescued an emaciated dog on the verge of starvation. According to police, she committed two crimes.
Rhonda Rose knows a thing or two about animals that need rescuing - she works at the Scioto Area Humane Society in Ohio. When she came across an emaciated dog, she knew it would die if it didn't get help fast. Rose fed the dog and took it to the vet, who confirmed the dog was starving.
Unfortunately, even though Ohio law allows any person to enter and remove an animal if they suspect that the animal is being neglected, Rose was charged with criminal trespass and petty theft.
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Help the surviving cats
in memory of “Pequita” |
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Urgent cat rescue in Cancun. 68 cats were crammed into unsanitary conditions, suffering from starvation and disease. We rescued as many as we could, but 13 cats didn’t make it. Of the 68 cats we rescued that day from a small home in Cancun, Pequita was one of the 13 that didn’t survive.
We found Pequita's lifeless little body at the back of a cage. Sadly, it was too late to save her.
And while Pequita still haunts my thoughts, I must remember that there are 55 surviving cats and kittens that still need us.
The resident who took these cats in had the best intentions – to give a home and food to cats in need. But like the hoarders in so many other cases, he soon became overwhelmed.
The team from IFAW and Coco’s Animal Welfare saved as many of the cats as we could. We provided emergency care, food and formula, vaccinations and spay/neuter.
As you know, IFAW and our partners at Coco’s have had operations in and around Playa del Carmen for years.
I’m frightened to think of what may have happened if we hadn’t been there.
In the past, the authorities would likely have taken the cats to an Animal Control Center. They wouldn’t have been able to provide the expert care, and if they couldn’t find homes for them, the cats may have been put down.
Luckily, our community animals approach is well known, even in neighboring communities.
The call came too late for Pequita. But you can still honor her by helping us save the rest of the cats.
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It never gets any easier. Whether we’re faced with a dogfighting ring, a cruelty case, natural disasters, or animals left alone and unloved—our hearts always break. Yet, even in the most desperate circumstances, we often see something remarkable: hope on the faces of the animals we rescue. There’s purring … wagging tails … nuzzles as we hold them. No matter what some of these animals have been through, they still believe in the goodness in people. They still believe in second chances.
Right now, as we’re in the season for believing—in hope, in miracles, in kindness—please take a moment to let animals know that they too have reason to believe. Animal victims of cruelty and neglect are counting on you for their second chance. Let them know that hope and help can come. |
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| Countless animals across America are still waiting to be rescued this year—they still believe someone will come to love and care for them. You may not be able to give a home to an animal in need today, but you can bring that love and care to helpless animals with your support for the ASPCA. Please give abused and abandoned animals the gift of second chances, and help make their spirits bright this holiday season. |
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