For example, even those most demanding of empathy for animals, continue, thoughtlessly, to reference animals as “it” and us as “owners”. This perpetuates the idea that animals are our property, rather than the individuals that we, as their guardians, have the privilege of caring for and the responsibility to protect. If the sex of the animal is unknown, it is certainly better to hazard a guess and be wrong 50% of the time than refer to them as objects and be wrong 100% of the time.

That is an exception to the general importance of accuracy in our language. One of the most commonly misused words in animal sheltering on an international level is “euthanasia”. Webster’s defines euthanasia as “the act or practice of killing or permitting the death of hopelessly sick or injured individuals in a relatively painless way for reasons of mercy”. As it relates to the millions of animals that enter into animal shelters every year and don’t make it out alive because of space, behavior, breed, or age, they are not euthanized, they are put to death. Honesty about our problems enables us to solve them.

And as we strive for a compassionate society for animals, we must also make every effort to unify as a movement. This is the only way we can be truly effective in our collective mission of saving lives, ending suffering, and promoting compassion. Labels like “kill” and “no kill” are alienating and the words themselves are polarizing, not allowing for understanding of the complex nature of the philosophies and issues they try to define in one or two words. Neither term is easily or consistently defined and therefore neither serves an effective purpose.

These labels inspire a disabling intolerance and aggressively challenge organizations, ultimately building barriers when we should be building bridges. Shelters, just like animals, should be treated as individuals as each is unique in its community, mandate, and function. We should never be tolerant of animals dying needlessly, but only by working together can we learn from others’ strengths and conquer our weaknesses as individuals and as a movement, thereby making the change we all wish to see.

A piece of this puzzle is using a vocabulary that reflects and nurtures the bond between people and animals, that denotes a high level of responsibility, empathy, and respect for the animals with whom we share our planet, and that shows respect to others with these values working towards these goals. The incorporation of honest and compassionate terminology into our philosophies and our speech will develop effective relationships and combine efforts focused on creating and sustaining a compassionate society for all.

Scotlund Haisley

Vets care for animals on Wingo property

“Kentucky is considered one of the lowest ranking states in terms of animal protection laws,” said ARC President Scotlund Haisley. “However, I believe the strongest laws Kentucky has to offer apply to this case. It was one of the worst cases of animal cruelty, neglect and torture I’ve seen in my career. Our foremost hope is that Lacewell never be allowed to have animals again.”

According to the Graves County Court Docket, Lacewell has two arraignments scheduled – one on March 28 and one on April 4, 2012, both at 9 a.m. ARC requests that concerned citizens also write a professional letter or email to Mr. Cunningham urging him to bring the strongest possible charges against Lacewell and that she be permanently banned from having animals in her care.

More than 50 percent of the dogs rescued during what ARC calls Operation Sweethearts have been placed in loving homes, while the rest continue to recovery medically and emotionally with ARC’s shelter and rescue partners while awaiting their forever families.

If you would like to ask the Graves County Attorney to bring the strongest possible charges, send an email or letter to the contact information below.  PLEASE remember to keep your correspondence respectful and professional.  Please remember to thank the Mr. Cunningham and his office for their hard work and serious consideration of this case.  Thank you!

Graves County Attorney

Email:  gca@vci.net

Address:
John Cunningham
101 East South Street
Mayfield, KY 42066

Dr. K. Herd providing treatment at ARC shelter.

ARC is happy to announce they are awarding over $7,500 in medical grants to their placement partners. These medical grants are possible thanks to the altruism of ARC supporters and a generous grant made by the Bissell Pet Foundation, whose representative had seen a video of the rescue on a social media site. The five placement partners receiving a portion of the grant are:  Agape Animal Rescue, Bowling Green/Warren County Humane Society, New Leash on Life, Noah’s ARK Society, and Snooty Giggles Dog Rescue.

“The condition of the dogs was even worse than we usually see,” said Animal Rescue Corps President Scotlund Haisley. “We are very grateful to be able to share this additional financial support with our partners to assist with these dogs’ ongoing medical needs.”

ARC was also able to support several middle Tennessee organizations with the surplus of supply donations they received while operating the Operation Sweethearts emergency shelter at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds. Placement partners and two community pet food banks were stocked with surplus food, towels, and blankets. Significant amounts of non-perishable human food and water were donated to two groups serving the homeless in the Nashville area.

When responders arrived on the scene they found various breeds and sizes of dogs including hound mixes, Poodles, Cocker Spaniels, Maltese, Pomeranians, a Rottweiler and many other breeds running loose among piles of debris and living in crowded, dilapidated pens and small filthy cages in several buildings on the property. There were dead dogs and dog bones scattered throughout the property and dogs consuming the remains.  There were also several dog bodies found in burn piles.

“This is one of the worst cases of animal abuse I have seen,” said Animal Rescue Corps President Scotlund Haisley. “The dogs had no access to food, water, or shelter. They were eating each other to stay alive.”

This case began nearly a year ago when ARC was tipped off by an informant that a non-profit organization set up to rescue dogs was abusing them. After several months of diligent investigation evidence of cruelty was collected on the property. This included a dead dog whose necropsy revealed it had been starved to death, which is a violation of county and state cruelty laws. This evidence was brought to the Graves County Sheriff who obtained a search and seizure warrant.

“Graves County takes allegations of animal abuse very seriously,” said Sheriff Dewayne Redmon. “We did not hesitate when Animal Rescue Corps brought us the information necessary to take action.”

ARC is removing all of the animals, dead and alive, from the property and transporting them to an emergency shelter set up at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds. The animals will receive veterinary exams, vaccinations and any necessary medical treatments by a team of local veterinarians. ARC will provide daily care until custody of the animals is determined and animals can be placed with shelters and rescue groups.

Animal Rescue Corps performed this rescue, dubbed Operation Sweethearts, in conjunction with Ady Gil World Conservation, who provided funds and PetSmart Charities®, who donated many of the supplies to make this rescue possible. Additional support was provided by Bowling Green Humane Society and Holistic Pet Source.

The Basic Animal Rescue Course (BARC) will take place in the Wilson Building from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the TN State Fairgrounds located at 500 Wedgewood Avenue, Nashville. The course will cover topics such as animal handling, investigations, logistics, intake, emergency sheltering, volunteer management and more, preparing those interested in emergency animal rescue to be effective, efficient and safe in many situations, including assisting in ARC rescues.

ARC President Scotlund Haisley, who will lead the training day, said, “ARC is excited to return to the great state of Tennessee to offer our Basic Animal Rescue Course. Attendees will not only be proud to receive an ARC BARC certificate but they will also be better prepared to assist animal in distress.”

ARC TN State Liaison Peg Petrelli said, “ARC has been quite active in Tennessee in the last year addressing cases of large-scale animal suffering.” ARC was last in Tennessee in August 2011 to conduct Operation Free Bird, during which ARC rescued hundreds of exotic birds, chickens, geese and cats from an exotic bird mill in Portland, TN. The next day ARC responded to an urgent call from Bedford County Animal Control and rescued four monkeys from desolate conditions in a private home in Shelbyille, TN. ARC sheltered all the animals at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds in Nashville until the birds, cats and monkeys were transported to ARC’s sanctuary and adoption partners. Previously, ARC was in Tennessee in March 2011 to rescue more than 100 dogs from a puppy mill in Warren County.

For more information and to register for ARC’s Basic Animal Rescue Course, visit www.animalrescuecorps.org/BARC.

Founded by ARC President Scotlund Haisley, ARC provides communities the necessary resources, expertise and manpower to conduct investigations and large-scale rescues of animals who are suffering from cruelty or natural disasters at no cost to the communities ARC serves.

Within its first year, ARC successfully conducted more than a dozen rescues within the U.S. and Canada of various species from puppy and bird breeding mills, hoarding, natural disasters and  other desperate situations. One of ARC’s most considerable and compelling operations of 2011 was November’s Operation Anishnabe Dogs, in which ARC offered a First Nations community in Quebec a free spay/neuter clinic for the residents’ animals and also captured 100% of the roaming dog population and placed them with our rescue and shelter partners for adoption, eliminating the perceived need for a planned culling of the dogs.

ARC has gained more than 35,000 supporters, hundreds of volunteers and dozens of strategic partnerships with other animal protection organizations and law enforcement agencies. ARC has participated in more than 25 events across the country and was featured on several national news and network documentary programs. Animal Rescue Corps and members of ARC’s leadership have recently received several awards for their animal rescue work.

President Haisley said, “I couldn’t be more proud of what we have accomplished in such a short time. We have established and grown a much-needed force in the animal protection movement. There are countless animals still waiting for our help so I look forward to continued growth and success in 2012.”

On January 11th 2011, I promised a year of compassion. Together, we have made good on that promise.

Whether you are one of the ARC board or staff members, an ARC Liaison, a volunteer or partner for our rescues, operations or events, a financial supporter of our life-saving work or you have shared our work to end suffering with others – you are the Corps.  YOU have contributed to ending cycles of abuse and saving thousands of lives this past year, promising so many animals that they will live a life filled with compassion and love.  I am eternally grateful for and awed by your compassion and dedication.

This road has been long, never easy and sometimes emotionally taxing but I know that our work is not only directly saving lives, it is also opening the eyes of countless people to the immeasurable extent of animal suffering going on in the world as well as the horrors of the industries that profit from animals and the cruelty that is inherent to those industries.  In saving lives, we have also planted seeds of knowledge.  Through this awareness even greater change will come.

Together, we witnessed unimaginable suffering and together we put an end to it.  We entered the cruel confines of the puppy mill industry and our eyes welled from the high levels of ammonia and the emotionally devastating scenes that lay before us.  We walked through row after row of tiny, filthy and dilapidated, decades-old wire cages packed with hundreds of desperate dogs forced to wallow in their own feces through extreme weather conditions – many without food and water.  We saw breeding mothers and fathers with coats matted so tightly that their breathing was severely constricted in nearly mummified caskets of feces-laden fur and puppies standing in pools of acidic urine eating away at their sensitive paws.  We felt the presence of the ghosts of dogs we were too late to save lingering behind the empty cages choked with cobwebs and debris.  One of the first dogs we rescued this year we found barely alive amongst her two dead cage-mates in their tiny wooden hutch.  The fact that she had spent days sealed alive inside a plastic-wrapped coffin getting her only warmth from the fur of her lost companions will haunt me for the rest of my life.

Together, we came to the aid of hoarded dogs and cats forced to live in their own waste in conditions that breed disease and despair.  Our hearts sank at the sight of hundreds more neglected, tortured and forgotten animals, the sentient beings that their guardians had failed: bony, hollow-eyed horses staggering under their neglected frames; slowly-starving parrots, forced to live in deplorable unnatural confines without enrichment; monkeys born into captivity, confined to their impossibly small, dank prisons cells since the day they were born, only knowing fear and loneliness, never being able to do what comes naturally to a monkey; and chickens, rabbits, geese and so many other victims of man.

Together, we wept for the animals we were too late for. Their skeletal remains starkly illustrated the cycle of abuse – a cycle that would have continued unaltered, victimizing many more animals, if not for your dedication and perseverance in standing with me demanding that it end.

Suffering of this magnitude is difficult to describe, I know it’s difficult to hear, and it is unimaginable to endure.  We expose ourselves to these truths to save lives and to teach others.  To shed light on and end this suffering is why we created Animal Rescue Corps, why we do what we do and why you are part of the Corps.

Together, we ended suffering and gave life to thousands.  Their once inescapable cruel confines now lay empty because we acknowledge that all lives have value and we put our compassion into action.  Together, we made the commitment to communities that they would no longer be without the resources necessary to address animals in need.  From shutting down puppy mills for good, to responding to natural disasters at a moment’s notice, to months of planning and implementing a humane and lasting solution to overwhelming pet populations in rural communities – we were there for the animals and the communities who needed us.

Our efforts have come with tremendous personal sacrifice.  Together, we have carried on through these challenging times because of our commitment to the animals.  Many of us have put everything into this promise of compassion, we have asked our families to understand and join us in this promise.  Our commitment to the work and our belief in this organization is so strong that we have worked tirelessly and without financial compensation.  Most people are unaware that we have all, every one of us, served as unpaid volunteers this last year.

Our belief has been and continues to be that if we let our actions speak, if we show what is possible by working together putting our compassion into action, then we will not fail and others will join.  We have seen this to be true and we are growing and improving every day.  ARC has successfully funded the life-saving rescues that are the purpose of this organization.  We have been able to raise and apply some limited funds to day-to-day operations and communications.  However, In order to be sustainable, there is much needed… there is equipment we have done without or paid to rent, there are systems and services that we desperately need and we need to be able to pay salary to a select few this year.

Our faith is unshaken and our determination has only grown stronger because of your response.  You have joined me in the field, you have manned our emergency shelters, you have shared our messages and videos and you have dug deep to give generously to this work.  Every new person that we reach together brings new hope and possibility.  Together we are building an army of compassion and we know that even a great burden is made light when carried by many.

On behalf of the animals, I’m asking you to continue to stand with me at your highest capacity in our crusade to end animal suffering through direct and compassionate action.  Together, we will continue to reach into the dark cages and break the rusted chains, to kick down the doors behind which suffering is hidden and answer the call of the thousands of animals waiting for salvation.  We will continue to give them shelter and the promise of a home, as they reclaim the lives that have been stolen from them and we witness the peaceful demeanor that settles over them, illustrating the amazing resilience of animals – a resilience that inspires us to persevere.

Together we can do all this and more in 2012.

It is a tremendous spirit that will carry us into a new year of compassion.  I am deeply grateful that you have joined me in this mission. To be called upon to save animals and give the gift of compassion is, in the end, a great privilege. Thank you for your company in making them the promise of new life.

I wish for you and your families a new year filled with peace and compassion.

For the animals,

Scotlund Haisley
President and Founder
Animal Rescue Corps

Ps If you haven’t already please enjoy the video retrospective of our life-saving work this past year:  “The Gift of Compassion 2011”

Roaming dogs of Lac Simon.

The Lac Simon community has had a large population of roaming dogs for more than 30 years and the traditional method of addressing the issue was through “culls” or “roundups”, during which animals were captured then put to death by means of gassing or shooting.

“We are honored to offer Lac Simon a humane and lasting solution to their roaming dog issue at no cost to their community,” said ARC President Scotlund Haisley. “This is an unprecedented project for this community and we hope it serves as a model for others.”

Lac Simon residents came in droves with their dogs and cats to participate in the spay/neuter clinic. Veterinarians from the Clinique Vétérinaire du Vieux Village worked over the weekend to sterilize more than 160 animals. ARC is still in Lac Simon collecting the last of the roaming dogs, who range from small terriers to medium huskies to large Shepherd mixes. Two extra large dogs, a St. Bernard and a Great Dane, were found in particularly bad shape, both malnourished and lethargic, but still trusting and ready to start down their road to recovery.

“We are grateful for this collaboration with Animal Rescue Corps,” said Lac Simon Director of Housing Terry Babin. “It will have a lasting, beneficial impact on both the people and the animals of our community.”

On Tuesday the 8^th ARC will transport the unclaimed dogs and five surrendered cats to a temporary shelter ARC set up about nine hours south of Lac Simon at the Brome Lake Fairgrounds. Each dog will receive a veterinary exam, appropriate vaccinations and any necessary immediate medical treatment. Daily care will be provided until the dogs are placed with and can be transported to partner shelters and rescue groups in Canada and the U.S.

Animal Rescue Corps performed this rescue in conjunction with: Ady Gil World Conservation, American Dog Rescue, The Arthur E. Benjamin Foundation, Robin Sugg, Cathy Kangas, Margaret Marshall and DART Nova Scotia. The International Fund for Animal Welfare donated much-needed medical supplies to make this operation possible.

Anyone wishing to donate or volunteer to support the rescue efforts should visit www.animalrescuecorps.org/ways-to-help or email info@animalrescuecorps.org. For more information about Animal Rescue Corps, please visit www.animalrescuecorps.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE           

1380 Monroe Street NW #326
Washington, D.C. 20010-3452

The exhibit, titled “suffering rendered”, opens this Friday and will be displayed through October 22. It features paintings depicting Haisley’s animal protection work dating from search and rescue he did in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina to his most recent work with ARC, traveling the globe to rescue an unprecedented number of animals from breeding mills, animal fighting operations, hoarding and natural disasters. Haisley, who began his career as a humane officer in D.C., paints on salvaged antique ceiling tins using a vivid palette to capture the raw intensity of these scenes. Haisley’s paintings often focus on his subjects’ eyes, which act as a portal to the raw emotion depicted in his work.

“I am haunted by the powerful images of suffering I witness in the course of my animal rescue work,” Haisley said, “painting them is part of my healing process and I hope these images inspire others to join me in ending animal suffering.”

In recent years, Haisley has expanded the focus of his artwork from issues of animal cruelty to varied topics of social justice. Haisley has been featured along with other prominent artists, such as Shepard Fairey and Ron English, in such exhibitions as RE:FORMSCHOOL in New York City (October 2010) to promote fixing ailing public school systems across the U.S., MANIFEST EQUALITY: LA in Los Angeles (March 2010) to promote full and equal rights for all Americans and MANIFESTHOPE: D.C. Gallery show in Washington, D.C. (January 2009) to celebrate the role that art plays in creating cultural momentum.

“Art Works strives to bring awareness of pressing social justice issues in a hopeful manner to the community along with the idea that creative action is a means to a better, more humane world for every sentient being,” said Barbara Johnson, founding director of Art Works Studio School and the director of art matters. “Mr. Haisley’s work uniquely embodies this notion, and we are honored to be able to present his work to the community.”

The public will have an opportunity to meet and talk with Haisley at the opening reception on Friday, September 23 from 7-9 p.m. at art matters located at 3711 Rhode Island Avenue, Mt. Rainier, MD 20712. For more information about the exhibit, please visit www.artworksnow.org/in-the-gallery or call 301-454-0808. For more information about Animal Rescue Corps, please visit www.animalrescuecorps.org.

Limited edition signed posters of several of Haisley’s works will be available for purchase at the gallery and through ARC.  All proceeds from the sale of the posters will benefit Animal Rescue Corps.

As a founding volunteer for Pet Care Foundation and a founding officer for Animal Rescue Corps, it is my distinct honor to present the upcoming event, A PAWSitively Perfect Evening, benefitting both organizations. This special engagement takes place in Los Angeles at the private, Japanese garden estate of Hollywood legend and hair care mogul Paula Kent Meehan.

Throughout the evening, guests will enjoy full access to the garden grounds, a light, vegan fare exquisitely prepared by Along Came Mary, tasty spirits, live music, one-of-a-kind silent auction items (including sports items, animal packages, trips, art, jewelry, entertainment tickets, etc.), presentations by both organizations, and complimentary valet parking.

The Pet Care Foundation (www.pets90210.org) is a Beverly Hills-based, animal advocacy group that offers support for other local groups, produces numerous adoption programs and promotes spaying and neutering.

Animal Rescue Corps (www.animalrescuecorps.org) is an international, animal protection organization that conducts large-scale rescues of animals suffering from cruelty or natural disasters as well as shelter and sanctuary assessments and rescue training.

Each is near and dear to my heart – one for its local work and one for its international work – and I am not alone in this passion.  A PAWSitively Perfect Evening will honor three very distinct individuals for their support and promotion of both the adoption and rescue of animals: LA Councilman Tony Cardenas, LA Councilman Paul Koretz, and actress/comedienne Debra Wilson.

An incredible Host Committee rounds out the evening to bring support and awareness to such worthy causes: Daniel Banchik, Antonio Brown, Erika Brunson, George Chavez, Bill Crowe, Diane DeJoie, Ady Gil, Marcia Hobbs, Heidi Huebner, Ellen Lavinthal, Linda & Nick Maglia, Judie Mancuso, Cathryn Michon, Elizabeth Oreck, Salli Sammut, Patty Shenker, Larry Sullivan, and Elizabeth TenHouten.

Please, join me on the last Saturday of this beautiful summer to celebrate animals and give a voice to their suffering. Every contribution goes directly to the lifesaving work of Pet Care Foundation and Animal Rescue Corps.  I thank you, and the animals thank you.

Please click here for all the details:  PAWSitively Perfect Evening Invitation

Or to purchase tickets or for more information, please contact: Bill Crowe, 310-887-7070 or bcrowe@kenquest.com.

At the time, I was the Executive Director of the Washington Animal Rescue League in Washington, D.C., and I was fortunate to be able lead a response team into New Orleans after the storm had passed to rescue animals who had been left behind.  I am forever changed by that experience and hope that in some way my remembrance and sharing of those experiences will help us continue to move in the direction that began in the wake of Katrina – to a place where animals are given consideration in disaster planning and response.

Hurricane Katrina ended the lives of more than 1,800 people, and as the levees broke it destroyed the homes, communities and way of life for many thousands more.  But there was an aspect of the devastation that was not clearly and immediately visible to the millions who were following this tragedy in the news.  What only became clear with time was the impact on the companion animals in the affected areas.  Reports started to gain attention about residents being forced to choose to evacuate in order to save their own lives but abandon their animal family members because they were not permitted on public transportation or in emergency shelters.  Though some stayed behind and assumed incredible risks to stay with their animals, many animals were abandoned.  The emotional toll this took on the people affected radiated beyond New Orleans as the news and images reached the rest of the country.

Sweet kittens and loveable dogs turned into skittish, weary animals after several days alone in unfamiliar and dangerous surroundings – some trapped in flooded houses in extreme heat without access to fresh water or food for days or weeks, others clinging to floating debris as they fight to survive the toxic floodwaters.

Professional animal rescue teams voyaged en masse to New Orleans to respond to this urgent need.  Whether it was by forced entry into abandoned homes, by boat or by rescue vehicle, any animal that my team spotted in the six weeks we spent on the ground was helped in some way.  We put out food and water for the animals on dry land – making notes to go back and check on them the next day – but in most cases we were able to coax them into our arms and transport them to the safety of the temporary emergency shelter.

This particular part of the tragedy, the heartbreaking stories of abandonment of these animals, the rescue efforts to save them and in some cases the joyous reunions with their families, have since been told through personal accounts in documentaries, in the news and in other mediums.  I believe this has been vital in acknowledging and developing a collective understanding of the importance of the connection humans share with other animals – that they are fellow residents of this beautiful but sometimes dangerous world and often members of our families.

Hurricane Katrina also opened the country’s eyes to the catastrophic oversight in not including animals in personal and public disaster planning and response. It is a gross understatement to say that there were shortcomings in the response to Hurricane Katrina.  These were shortcomings that led to a great deal of needless suffering and death but the recognition of this has led to many changes.  Just to name a few, we now have state-level Disaster Animal Response Teams (DARTs) that are recognized by and coordinate with the official government response to disasters and we now see many emergency shelters and transports who have changed their policies and accept families with their animals.

I will always remember my Hurricane Katrina experiences and it helps me process and cope to share them in talks, writings and through my art, but I hope it does more than that.  I hope that my shared experience serves as a reminder to us personally of our responsibility to prepare for our animals before a disaster and I hope it helps our society to collectively renew our commitment to train our rescue professionals and improve our disaster response systems to help all members of a family when a disaster strikes.

Please allow me to share with you an interview (in three parts) in which I share some of my personal recollections from my six weeks of hands-on rescue following Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans.  It was conducted by the World Animal Awareness Society in New Orleans last year in memory of the fifth anniversary of the Katrina response.

Video Links:

Hurrican Katrina Interview, Rescue Stories – Part 1

Hurrican Katrina Interview, Rescue Stories – Part 2

Hurrican Katrina Interview, Rescue Stories – Part 3

Please also follow this link to the ARC Disaster Preparation Brochure – a tool for you to personally use to plan for the needs of your animal family members.

Monkey rescued by ARC

On August 4, 2011, Animal Rescue Corps (ARC) assisted Bedford County Animal Control (BCAC) in rescuing the four remaining monkeys who were surrendered by Smith after the escape and shooting of the fifth monkey. The monkeys had no form of enrichment, no access to food or water and were living in substandard cages, all in violation of the Tennessee animal cruelty laws.

“I commend Bedford County Animal Control and law enforcement for their quick decision to remove the monkeys from the desolate hell in which they were living and their charging the guardian with cruelty,” said ARC President Scotlund Haisley. “They are sending a clear message that animal cruelty will not be tolerated in their community.”

After the rescue, the monkeys were transported to the Tennessee State Fairgrounds where they received veterinary exams and proper food and water before being transported to their forever home at the Primarily Primates Sanctuary in San Antonio, TX.

ARC has had the great honor of working with several of these authorities such as State Representative Janis Sontany, Warren Co. District Attorney General Lisa Zavogiannis, Lieutenant Stan Jones of the Portland Police Department, Sumner Co. Assistant District Attorney William Lamberth, Bedford County Animal Control Director Brenda Goodrich as well as numerous other local law enforcement officials, government representatives and the dedicated volunteers of Tennessee.

In the state of TN, ARC President Scotlund Haisley has led three large-scale rescues with ARC and seven with the Humane Society of the United States, where he was the Senior Director of Emergency Services from 2007-2010. He has personally conducted more large-scale rescues in TN than in any other state. However, rather than seeing TN as a problematic abuse state, he praises TN authorities and its citizens for doing something about it.

“Unfortunately, animal cruelty exists on many levels everywhere. Tennessee is working hard to clean it up because of the intolerance authorities have toward animal cruelty in their communities,” says Haisley. “Our work is far from over in Tennessee, but it is a privilege to stand with the good people there in ending animal suffering.”

One of those people is ARC’s TN State Liaison Peg Petrelli. She is both Tennessee Disaster Relief Team (TDART) and National Disaster Relief Team (NDART) certified and has worked on more than a dozen animal rescues in the state of TN. Before joining ARC, Petrelli was on the board of the Humane Society of Sumner County for four years and was President of the board for three.

“I could not be more proud to be a part of ARC and work in my home state of Tennessee to help end animal suffering. This is a state filled with compassionate people who understand what it means to give all living beings a chance at living the life they were meant to live,” says Petrelli.

“I am proud to have partnered with the Portland Police Department and Sumner County in shutting down this exotic bird mill,” said ARC President Scotlund Haisley. “and I commend Judge Jim Hunter’s strong decision that the miller is never again allowed to breed commercially.”

The birds and other animals rescued from the mill have been temporarily housed at the emergency shelter ARC established at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds for 10 days. The animals received individualized medical care, high-quality food and fresh water provided by a team of veterinarians, bird experts and volunteers.

“Several of these birds were found with significant feather loss likely due to self-plucking motivated by stress and boredom,” said ARC bird expert Richard Farinato. “It is rewarding to see them enjoying the fresh fruit and emotional enrichment ARC has been providing them. I’m happy to be sending them on their way to full and happy lives.”

All of the animals have been placed with rescues or sanctuaries and started moving out of the emergency shelter on August 10. The last of the animals will head towards their final landing places today. Some have stayed in Tennessee but others have gone all the way to Texas and Maryland.

Some of ARC’s placement partners, such as Primarily Primates (San Antonio, TX), Gulf Coast Exotic Bird Sanctuary (Pearland, TX) and Birdlink Sanctuary (Weatherford, TX) will be providing permanent sanctuary for the birds. Rescue groups including Macaw and Cockatoo Rescue of New Mexico (Rio Rancho, NM), Young Williams Animal Center (Knoxville, TN), Mid-South Bird Rescue (Memphis, TN), Wings of Love Bird Haven (Red Oak, TX), and The Bailey Foundation (Columbia, MD) will provide nurturing foster homes until the birds are ready for adoption. Anyone wanting to adopt a birds should contact the bird rescue groups directly.

Monkey Kept in Backyard Shed

Once on the scene, ARC found four adult monkeys in obvious distress housed in two backyard sheds without any food, water, ventilation or enrichment. One Java macaque was in a parrot cage and one Java macaque in an altered wire animal trap. Two Rhesus macaques in two approximately 6-foot-high pens with 25 square feet of floor space. The cages were inadequate in terms of safe containment and quality of life and in violation of Tennessee animal cruelty laws. ARC immediately called in Dr. Catrina Herd from Animal House Veterinary Clinic and primate expert, Dr. Susan Abelt from Leiper’s Fork Veterinary Services Mobile Clinic, for assistance.

ARC safely transported the monkeys to the Tennessee State Fairgrounds in Nashville, where a temporary shelter had already been set up to house 140 animals rescued the day before from an alleged exotic bird mill in Portland, TN. Tennessee State Representative Janis Sontany (D) assisted ARC in securing adequate temporary cages for the monkeys from Metro Animal Control in Nashville.

Each monkey will receive a veterinary exam, any necessary treatment and a health certificate before being transported along with close to three-dozen exotic birds to a sanctuary in San Antonio, TX. The monkeys are being transported to Primarily Primates where they will live the rest of their lives in a safe and caring wildlife refuge, thanks to the assistance of ARC partner and primatologist Bob Ingersoll, President of Mindy’s Memory.

Monkeys Begin Journey

“I was excited to get the call for help from Bob and I am proud to assist ARC in this rescue and in improving the quality of life for these imperiled primates and birds,” said Stephen Tello of Primarily Primates. www.primarilyprimates.org

Bob Ingersol of Mindy’s Memory and Stephen Tello of Primarily Primates were instrumental making this entire effort possible and their expertise and resources in securing a permanent home for these mistreated primates was invaluable.

ARC has arranged for the transport of the monkeys from the Tennessee State Fairgrounds today, August 9, at approximately 6pm, arriving in San Antonio at Primarily Primates tomorrow morning, August 10, at approximately 9am. Mr. Harrison Bankston of Bankston Motor Homes did not hesitate to generously donate the vehicle used for the transport upon learning of the animal’s needs.

ARC Rescue Team rescuing macaque monkeys.

When responders arrived at the scene they found one Java macaque in a birdcage and one Java macaque in a wire dog crate with 6 square feet of floor space. They also found two Rhesus macaques in two approximately 6-foot-high pens with 25 square feet of floor space. The cages were inadequate in terms of safe containment and quality of life and in violation of Tennessee animal cruelty laws.

“The monkeys had no form of enrichment and no access to food or water,” said ARC President Scotlund Haisley. “The social, emotional and physical toll this has taken on them is obvious.”

Animal control transferred ownership to ARC. ARC safely transported the monkeys to Nashville, where each animal will receive a veterinary exam, any necessary treatment and a health certificate before being transported to a sanctuary in Texas.

“I am grateful Animal Rescue Corps is in town and I was able to find them through our mutual partner PetSmart Charities,” said BCAC Director Brenda Goodrich. “They were the only group I contacted who sprang into action to assist Bedford County Animal Control and these suffering macaques.”

Animal Rescue Corps is in Tennessee caring for exotic birds, chickens, geese and cats rescued in conjunction with the Portland Police Department yesterday.

“These are the worst conditions for birds I’ve ever seen. Basic necessities have not been provided to them for a long time. Filthy enclosures, putrid water and inedible food in every cage. These are terribly inhumane conditions.” said Scotlund Haisley, president of ARC.

Animal Rescue Corps is partnering with Ady Gil World Conservation to make this rescue possible.  PetSmart Charities® donated much-needed sheltering supplies and equipment.  This rescue is being performed in conjunction with: the Portland Police Department and generously assisted by the Tennessee State Fairgrounds, Wilson County DART, and New Leash on Life. The ARC Team and other responders are wearing respirators due to the threat of contracting psittacosis, a potentially fatal disease caused by exposure to bird fecal matter.

Hookbill Haven Aviary is a business front for a single occupancy home which contains 116 exotic birds living in hellish conditions. Responders on the scene said there are a staggering number of African Greys, Amazons, Cockatoos, Conures, Lovebirds, Pionus, Senegals and at least one Quaker parrot, an Illegal breed in Tennessee, living throughout the house, many of them without any safe structures or proper confinements. There are Roosters living in the kitchen. The many of the exotic birds have substantial feather loss and are showing obvious signs of illness. There is at least one dead exotic bird.

Speaking at the scene, Lieutenant Jones of the Portland Police Department said, “We are grateful to have a resource like Animal Rescue Corps to assist us in enforcing the laws of Tennessee”

ARC is safely removing all of the birds and transporting them to an emergency shelter set up at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds in Nashville. Each will receive a veterinary exam, appropriate vaccinations and any necessary immediate medical treatment by a team of local veterinarians. ARC will provide daily care until custody of the birds is determined and they can be placed with shelters and rescue groups.

Anyone wishing to support the rescue efforts should visit www.animalrescuecorps.org/ways-to-help or email info@animalrescuecorps.org. For more information on Animal Rescue Corps, please visit www.animalrescuecorps.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:
press@animalrescuecorps.org

by Meda Kessler

The call went out this past January.

Spread via social media and email, the plea was simple but urgent. “Please invest in compassion and join Animal Rescue Corps.”

Monica Ailey, the Texas liaison for Animal Rescue Corps, and puppy Charlotte, one of the lucky ones. (photo credit: Jill Johnson)

Based in Washington, D.C., and founded by longtime animal advocate Scotlund Haisley, this nonprofit separates itself from other groups by focusing solely on investigation, rescue and education in large-scale abuse situations. The other part of Scotlund’s mission was to find good men and women to join his cause.

It was not under the best of circumstances that Scotlund met Fort Worth animal lover Monica Ailey. In August 2009, 500 dogs were taken from a pupy mill in Kaufman County. The photos and videos were horrifying, as conditions were beyond imagination. Scotlund was there, then working for the Humane Society of the United States; Monica was there because she was a veteran volunteer and trained for those types of missions. Both were there because they cared.

Read the entire article here (.pdf format) >>

As I’m writing to you from the Taking Action for Animals Conference here in Washington, D.C., I could not be more proud of the direct action we have been taking together for animals all year – the lives saved and suffering ended because of Animal Rescue Corps.  I want to share with you my deep gratitude for the accomplishments achieved, together, so far this year.

The first half of 2011 has been incredibly busy with many exciting developments and areas of growth for ARC, and most importantly many life-saving rescues.  With your support, ARC has been there for animals in need.  From puppy mills, to disaster response and hoarding, we have been able to rescue hundreds of animals.  Dogs, cats, horses and a variety of other species are no longer suffering because of our work together.  These animals are now in the loving care of a new family, foster home, shelter or sanctuary.

You can be very proud of our extensive work to find the best placement for each animal rescued.  Animals are not merely moved to an already overburdened shelter where their fate is uncertain.  ARC’s Placement Coordinator for a rescue goes to great lengths to place the animals where they are assured of an opportunity to have the best life they can have.  We will be sharing more of these happy stories with you so that you can see all the benefits of our great work – benefits that extend even to the new adoptive families as the gift of compassion comes back to those that have extended it.

When you invest in compassion with your contributions or by volunteering your time and talents in support of Animal Rescue Corps, you make this gift of compassion possible, first to the animals, but then to everyone who is touched by it in any way.  Even when you share our stories and videos you are helping others to not only know about the problem, but to know what is possible… to know there is a solution and how to be part of it and how they might also give the gift of compassion.

To recap a few of the rescues your support has made possible in the last six months I’ve included a few links below.  Please take a moment to revisit and remember the lives saved because of our work together.  Thank you for being part of Animal Rescue Corps. Together we are making a difference.

For the animals,

Scotlund Haisley
President & Founder, ARC

ANIMAL RESCUE CORPS AND WARREN COUNTY LAW ENFORCEMENT RESCUE MORE THAN 100 ANIMALS FROM ALLEGED PUPPY MILL

Warren County, TN – Animal Rescue Corps (ARC) assisted the Warren County District Attorney’s Office in the rescue of approximately 120 dogs and 5 birds who were found to be living in deplorable conditions at an alleged puppy mill in Warren County.

Rescue Video / Facebook Photo Album / Rescue Info Page

ANIMAL RESCUE CORPS AND KAUFMAN COUNTY LAW ENFORCEMENT RESCUE APPROXIMATELY 50 ANIMALS FROM ALLEGED PUPPY MILL

Kaufman, TX – Animal Rescue Corps (ARC) assisted the Kaufman County Sheriff’s Office in the rescue of approximately 50 dogs who were found to be living in deplorable conditions at an alleged puppy mill an hour and a half southeast of Dallas. All of the animals were seized by the Kaufman County Sheriff’s Office.

Rescue Video / Facebook Photo Album / Rescue Info Page

ANIMAL RESCUE CORPS ASSISTS IN TORNADO-RAVAGED GUTHRIE, OKLAHOMA

Guthrie, OK – Animal Recue Corps (ARC) has deployed to Guthrie, Oklahoma to assist the Guthrie Animal Shelter after their facilities were destroyed in one of the tornadoes that ripped through the state on Tuesday, May 24. Sixty-three animals consisting of approximately 33 dogs and 30 cats were displaced after the building housing them was demolished in the storm.

Rescue Video / Facebook Photo Album / Rescue Info Page

ANIMAL RESCUE CORPS ASSISTS IN HOUSTON COUNTY ANIMAL ABANDONMENT CASE

Crockett, TX – Animal Rescue Corps (ARC) is assisting the Houston County Sherriff’s Office in the rescue approximately 80 dogs from a 17-acre property about three hours southeast of Dallas. The sheriff’s office assumed control of the animals and custody has been awarded to ARC.

Rescue Video / Facebook Photo Album / Rescue Info Page

ANIMAL RESCUE CORPS AND HOUSTON COUNTY LAW ENFORCEMENT RESCUE 33 ANIMALS FROM ALLEGED PUPPY MILL

Kennard, TX – Animal Rescue Corps (ARC) assisted the Houston County Sheriff’s Office in the rescue of 18 dogs, 9 cats, 4 ducks and 2 rabbits from an alleged puppy mill about three hours southeast of Dallas. All of the animals were seized by the Houston County Sheriff’s Office and awarded temporary custody to ARC until an official custody hearing, which is scheduled to take place tomorrow.

Rescue Video / Facebook Photo Album / Rescue Info Page

As many of you know, Animal Rescue Corps (ARC) has been regularly featured in news broadcasts and other media. This coverage is a welcome spotlight on the tremendous work and hundreds of lives saved by Animal Rescue Corps. Here are some ARC highlights of the past few months:

SCOTLUND HAISLEY on the RADIO – On July 6, ARC President and Founder Scotlund Haisley was on Pet Talk Radio with Nick Sacco discussing ARC’s latest accomplishments and missions. To listen to Scotlund’s full interview, click here.

TN PUPPY MILL COVERAGE – In March of this year, Animal Rescue Corps saved over one hundred twenty dogs from a puppy mill in Tennessee. To learn more about the rescue and see actual video from the scene, check out Care2’s coverage of the story.

LATEST TX SUCCESS STORIES – Animal Rescue Corps has been busy helping communities in the Lone Star State. In May, with support from local volunteers, ARC raided a puppy mill in Kaufman County, Texas. The following month, ARC was in Crockett, TX rescuing suffering dogs from a gruesome hoarding situation and a local puppy mill. To read the local coverage from the Houston County Courier, click here.

TX STATE LIAISON IN THE NEWS – With the tornados in Oklahoma, so came Animal Rescue Corps and our Texas State Liason, Monica Ailey, to help evacuate and recover animals from a destroyed shelter in Guthrie, OK. For videos, pictures, and more on the shelter disaster from examiner.com, click here.

Have you seen our new ad?

Featuring ARC volunteer & supporter Patty Shenker and a dog rescued from the Warren Co. puppy mill rescue, the ad is presently featured in American Dog Magazine, Smash Magazine, and Bella Dog Magazine.

Keep a look out, and tell your friends about ARC!