Roadside Zoos are Moronic, So is three-time animal abuser Charoyd Henrence Bell, Bronx Dogfighting Case, Celebrating Survivors, Fighting for Victims, Bureau of Land Management is murdering horses, Burberry Drops Fur & Serena Williams’ New Clothing Is Cruelty-Free
Russell has spent his entire life behind bars — and without our help, he could die there.
Russell is an endangered black leopard who — along with other endangered and captive wild animals — is currently living in horrible conditions at the Farmers Inn roadside zoo in Pennsylvania. And we need your help to get him and the others out!
Last month we served Farmers Inn with a notice of intent to sue letter for violating the Endangered Species Act (ESA), and state wildlife protection laws. In an attempt to get the animals relocated as quickly as possible, we offered to forego the suit and facilitate the transfer of all of the animals currently being held to bona fide sanctuaries — but we haven’t heard back yet.
The poor conditions these animals are being kept in are inexcusable. Queen Louise, a ring-tailed lemur — a highly social species — is kept alone in a tiny enclosure without adequate psychological enrichment.
Jack and Jill, two black bears, are confined to cramped cages with concrete floors. A visitor recently observed the bears in heat distress, lying motionless on the floor of the cage on a day when temperatures exceeded 90 degrees.
This is no way for any creature to live. There are laws in place to protect these animals — and we intend to make sure that they are enforced. They deserve good homes that will provide all the necessities they need to live safe, enriched, and healthy lives. And we won’t stop fighting until they get it. Will you help rescue Russell, Queen Louise, Jack and Jill, and all the other animals?
Guilty Verdict in Bronx Dogfighting Case
A jury found one defendant guilty on charges associated with dogfighting last week, after 11 dogs were removed from his property last May. Read more about this case and what happens next in the pursuit of justice.
A jury found one defendant guilty on charges associated with dogfighting last week, after 11 dogs were removed from his property last May. Read more about this case and what happens next in the pursuit of justice.
Celebrating Survivors, Fighting for Victims: Two Dogfighting Cases Underscore Efforts to End the Violence
Five years ago this week, the ASPCA assisted in the removal of 367 dogs across three states in what is believed to have been the second-largest dogfighting raid in U.S. history. The raid came after a three-year-long investigation and resulted in the convictions of thirteen individuals. This case was remarkable, as nearly 400 dogs needed care and rehabilitation after their rescues. But thanks to help from a large number of partner rescues and shelters, hundreds of these dogs were given a second chance at a life away from cruelty and heinous abuse.
Earlier this year, we caught up with Bam, one of the many victims we met after this raid. As we enter Bam’s home, it is clear that this 110 lb. dog was never meant to be a fighter—only a lover. Bam’s pet parent Lacey was working as a veterinarian technician when she first met him, and she tells us that there was something about this big dog that struck her. She knew that he was meant to be a part of her expanding family.
Lacey, herself a survivor of assault, tells us that she and Bam lean on each other for support, and that they “rescued each other.” Since his adoption, he’s taken on a number of duties in his new household. He’s acted as a rock to Lacey and as a big, lovable nanny to her two young children, whom he dotes on and looks after.
Jackson, Lacey and the ever-smiling Bam pose on their property in Florida.
In his home, Bam sits proudly next to Saylor, Lacey’s daughter, who recently celebrated her first birthday with Bam by her side, while two-year-old Jackson lovingly pats him on the head—feeding him bits of cheese. That big, strong jaw is constantly turned up into a smile and his tail rarely stops wagging. Lacey recently told us that she sometimes wakes up to find Jackson sleeping in Bam’s bed—the two are inseparable best friends.
Bam is the picture of a beloved, family pet, and a perfect example of why we shouldn’t judge a book by its cover.
Bam keeps an eye on BFF Jackson.
One-year-old Saylor relaxes while nanny Bam watches over her.
Bam’s story mirrors many victims’ after their rescue. Ruby, went on to become a registered therapy dog, while senior dog Silver joined a loving family. As we look back on this case, we reflect on not only the happy endings we have seen, but on the work that is still left to be done. Dogfighting is still happening in every corner of the country and in every type of community.
Last week, we assisted with the removal of 45 dogs from a suspected dogfighting ring in Kansas. There, we saw dogs in kennels with limited food and water, a few dogs on chains with limited shelter—one of which was tethered with not one, but three large chains—and nearly all of them had scars littered across their bodies. While we care for these animals, we know that there are still others out there, depending on us to fight for them. Every dog matters, whether it be ten or 367, we will keep fighting to not only save them, but to end this deplorable practice.
Take a look at photos from inside our most recent case below, and know that your support for the ASPCA helps us to help animals like these each and every day. Together, we will keep working to break the chain of cruelty for dogfighting victims.
Take a look at photos from inside our most recent case below, and know that your support for the ASPCA helps us to help animals like these each and every day. Together, we will keep working to break the chain of cruelty for dogfighting victims.
Serena Williams’ New Clothing Is Cruelty-Free and Empowers Women! |
