Gallatin, Tennessee
—
More than 250,000 animals are hoarded in residences throughout the United States annually, in line with the Animal Humane Society, and they’re typically left to undergo in horrific situations. Hundreds are generally crammed into small areas, residing in their very own waste.
Tim Woodward couldn’t let these animals be forgotten.
“Most people are shocked when they hear stories about a woman down the street had 100 cats or dogs in her house,” Woodward stated. “They can’t even imagine the cruelty that’s associated with that.”
After working at a nationwide animal welfare group, Woodward realized there was a niche within the system, the place organizations and regulation enforcement companies lacked the assets to deal with large-scale cruelty instances. So, in 2011, together with two different animal welfare staff, Woodward co-founded Animal Rescue Corps.
The nonprofit conducts large-scale rescues of abused and uncared for animals, together with instances involving pet mills, hoarding, dogfighting rings, and yard breeders.
“Your average shelter is used to taking animals in one or two at a time,” Woodward stated. “We, on the other hand, pull in large numbers of animals from a crisis situation.”
Once Animal Rescue Corps is alerted to a case, typically via native regulation enforcement, the group mobilizes rapidly, driving anyplace within the US. They work with native authorities to safe authorized entry and take away animals.
“We’ll work with law enforcement hand in hand,” Woodward stated. “They will designate us as an agent of law enforcement to go onto the scene to seize those animals.”
Woodward and his team guarantee animal removing is secure and organized. Teams doc every animal and present rapid veterinary care. Staff typically put on hazmat fits as a consequence of hazardous situations.
“We bring a very tight, trained team to that scene, including a state licensed forensic vet, vet techs, as well as an intake team that is experienced in evidence, documentation, and trained handlers,” Woodward stated.
During missions, the group gathers proof which may be wanted ought to native regulation enforcement pursue animal cruelty prices. Every animal is photographed, and all the pieces from mats of fur to overgrown nail clippings are bagged and saved.
Animal Rescue Corps not solely saves cats and canines, but in addition unique pets, barnyard animals, wildlife, and even as soon as saved a whole bunch of mice from a hoarding case. Woodward believes all animals deserve respect and kindness.
“You want to make sure that that animal has every opportunity for whatever time it has left, to have the best life possible,” he stated.
Once secure to take action, animals are transported to the group’s facility in Tennessee. There, all animals endure full medical evaluations, together with testing for illnesses, worms, and parasites. In some instances, it takes a number of weeks or months to get animals wholesome.
Due to the situations they got here from, some animals have to be socialized and ready for adoption, particularly these unfamiliar with human contact. The group has a team of volunteers who care for, play with, and assist socialize the animals.
“The change in the animals is always remarkable,” Woodward stated. “They come out of situations where they have no trust. Watching that animal learn to trust, it’s why all of us are committed to the work.”
Animal Rescue Corps doesn’t undertake out animals straight. Once wholesome and socialized, animals are positioned with shelters or despatched to sanctuaries and rehabilitation facilities.
Woodward’s work is bodily and emotionally demanding, however he stays dedicated. To date, he and Animal Rescue Corps have helped save greater than 10,000 animals, he stated.
“My hope for the animals is that they have the best life possible and that they forget all about where they came from.”
Want to become involved? Check out the Animal Rescue Corps website and see find out how to assist.
To donate to Animal Rescue Corps by way of Pledge, click here