by Charlotte Gimbal, Freshman
In Youngstown, Ohio, an animal charity working with humane agents found over a dozen animals, along with four minors, younger than 16 years old, living in revolting conditions. Animal Charity of Ohio immediately brought medical attention to the animals, saving their lives and now searching for homes. Not only did this organization rescue nearly two dozen animals from neglect, but they also saved the lives of four children in need.
Animal charities, like Humane World, tend to work alongside local law enforcement agencies or animal control. Humane World also assists when natural disasters strike, like floods. Their team is certified for the appropriate water rescues. These animals are often brought to shelters. Estimates put the number of dogs and cats brought into shelters at over six million, even as high as eight million, but most shelters do not have the funds or resources to accommodate all of these animals, leading to an estimate of one million animals being euthanized at shelters each year. Even “no-kill” shelters usually euthanize animals if they cannot care for them any longer. As promising as humane organizations can be with the hope they spark in animal lovers, the truth is that they are not able to operate without financial help and volunteers. Thankfully, euthanasia rates in shelters and charities are dropping drastically, with a decline from 2.4 million animals being euthanized in the U.S. in 2011, to about 920,000.
Millions of charities working across the globe save animals from abuse, neglect, abandonment, and sickness. Rescues take in not only dogs and cats, but also nearly every pet. Organizations take in birds, pigs, reptiles, and even domesticated rats! With millions of dogs and cats being brought to shelters yearly, it is clear that these organizations have their hands full of fur, feathers, and scales. Most of these animal charities, shelters, and rescues operate solely on donations and volunteers, so if you are able to help the cause, step up and volunteer or pitch in with a donation, even just a few dollars. Every penny makes a difference in the life of a rescued animal!
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