Dramatic Animal Rescue in Arkansas
A few months back, The HSUS’ Animal Rescue Team received a call from a law enforcement officer, Cpl. Robert Alcon, of the Arkansas State Police, who’d discovered almost 100 animals in need of rescue. Cpl. Alcon was determined to help, and described appalling conditions to us. Over the next several months, our team worked with him and his colleagues to put the pieces in place for a rescue. This included finding and setting up a temporary shelter where the animals could be housed and reaching out to local resources who might be willing to help with the case. Eventually, we lined up a shelter and garnered help from some excellent local and national partners, including Central Arkansas Rescue Effort for Animals, the Humane Society of Saline County, and Red Rover.
Kathy Milani/The HSUS
Rowdy Shaw of The HSUS approaches one of
the dogs on the property.
Seizure day revealed emotionally disturbing conditions for our responders. Many animals were living in filth, lacking basic needs like appropriate shelter from the elements, and often had no access to water. Our team reported the following from the field:
“The day that we were in the field was excruciatingly hot, and many of the animals sat outside baking in the sun, desperate for relief. One tiny puppy seemed grateful for even a small lick of water from the top of a water bottle.
“We removed the animals from the scene and transported them to our emergency shelter. Late that night, we tucked them into their new digs, and then returned the next morning to begin thorough veterinary exams. Even after one day, the animals’ conditions were improving, and their kisses and wagging tails seemed to say ‘thank you!’”
It’s yet another instance of The HSUS coming in to assist when a crisis situation exceeds the capacity of local humane and law enforcement organizations to respond. It’s a great example of the complementary work of local organizations with a national group like The HSUS. We’re grateful for the collaboration demonstrated by local law enforcement and we so appreciate the tireless efforts of CARE, The Humane Society of Saline County, and Red Rover. Thanks to this team effort, these animals have brighter days ahead.
We simply cannot carry out life-saving responses without your support. When you add up the extraordinary number of rescues and other interventions conducted by our Animal Rescue Team, it costs us millions. But that’s the price of progress. And it’s the sort of investment required to turn around the worst of problems for animals. We’re ready, and we’re there.
