The horse, a 6-year-old female Tennessee Walking Horse named Sable, was shot in the pasture at the home of John Coarsey, a public servant of 35 years, on the 500 block of East Campbell Road in Madison between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. Neighbors reportedly heard a gunshot between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Sable belonged to the Coarsey family, including Heather Robertson, who is a volunteer member of the ARC team and the Senior Veterinarian at the Nashville Zoo.

The Coarseys noticed that Sable appeared to be ill Monday night and called in equine veterinarian who found a wound in her side. The cause was not apparent but she was in obvious and irreparable distress and she was to be euthanized but she died before this course of action could be taken. A necropsy performed by Kord Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory found a bullet that had been shot through Sable’s ribs, went through her intestine, and ended up in her left lung.

“It’s hard to imagine how anyone could take the life of a family’s beloved animal, especially when the animal’s guardian has dedicated her life to saving animals,” said ARC President Scotlund Haisley. “It is unprecedented for Animal Rescue Corps to offer a reward in a criminal case but we are standing up for a member of the ARC family and for justice.”

The family is devastated by their loss and hopes anyone that knows who is responsible for this will come forward. Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department’s “urgent without emergency” line at 615-862-8600 and reference  case number 20130334616.

The Basic Animal Rescue Course (BARC) is the most comprehensive and affordable class currently offered on the structure of emergency response and the invaluable knowledge and skills necessary to aid animals in natural disasters, large-scale cruelty cases and many other situations. Topics will include investigations, documentation, logistics, animal handling, emergency sheltering, volunteer management, media relations, and much more.

“Animal Rescue Corps’ Canadian supporters and volunteers have been eagerly anticipating our first international Basic Animal Rescue Course,” said ARC President Scotlund Haisley. “I’m excited for the experienced ARC team to meet the demand and further build upon our available volunteer resources in Canada.”

The ARC team has deployed to Canada three times since launching in January 2011. ARC’s first Canadian operation was the sterilization of approximately 200 family pets in a native reserve Quebec in November 2011 and the removal of all the unclaimed dogs and cats for placement into permanent homes. ARC was back in June 2012 to rescue 20 dogs living in an apartment outside of Montreal. Most recently ARC completely the Sunshine to Maritime Transport – the transport of nearly 100 animals from an overburdened shelter in Palm Springs, California, to rescue partners in New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia who had foster and adoptive homes ready and waiting.

“BARC is an opportunity for our existing volunteers to strengthen their skills, for new partners to better understand what ARC does and how to get involved, and for anyone who cares about animals and wants to learn more about the issues affecting them and how to address them efficiently, effectively, and safely,” said ARC Nova Scotia Liaison Tiffany Sullivan. “BARC attendees will receive an ARC certificate for the Basic Animal Rescue Course and will be better prepared to work with ARC or for other volunteer opportunities in animal protection.”

BARC will take place in the Main Floor Auditorium of the Burke Building from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the SMU campus located at 5932 Inglis Street in Halifax. There is plentiful parking available at the university. Early registration has begun and the $95 cost is effective through March 15. Walk-ins will be admitted on March 16 based on availability but the class is filling up fast so interested individuals are encouraged to register soon at www.animalrescuecorps.org/BARC. The walk-in registration fee is $125. A vegan lunch and refreshments will be provided for all participants.

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

After exhaustive outreach to placement partners throughout North America, ARC has identified partners in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia that have sufficient resources to foster these animals and make them part of a loving family. The relocation of these animals, dubbed the Sunshine to Maritime Transport, will be accomplished utilizing a large RV motor home. The first transport will arrive at its first stop in New Brunswick on Wednesday afternoon and at its final stop in Nova Scotia Thursday mid-day. The media is invited to attend both drop offs.

ARC rescue partners in Canada attribute their ability to often help dogs from American shelters and now, as far away as Palm Springs, California to several factors, including:  a pet centric community with access to low cost spay and neuter options, as well as the 2011 decision by Canada’s largest pet store chain to no longer sell puppies and kittens at their locations but rather encourage adoption of homeless animals. ARC and its partners embrace the Sunshine to Maritime Transport as not only an opportunity to help these animals but also to promote adoption and form life-saving partnerships between rescue organizations.

“The Maritime Provinces and responsible pet supply companies are leading the way in creating humane communities by no longer selling animals in stores, thereby reducing the demand for animals from cruel breeding operations like puppy mills and increasing adoptions from reputable shelters and rescues” said ARC President Scotlund Haisley  “We are honored to be working with our Canadian partners on this life-changing transport for these animals and to be furthering the efforts of our shelter partner in Palm Springs to create progressive and sustainable solutions for their community.”

Animal Rescue Corps is proud to partner with Atlantic Small Dog Rescue, Cat Action Team, DunRoamin’ Stray and Rescue, East Coast German Shepherd Rescue, Maritime Pit Project, and The Friends of Palm Springs Animal Shelter on the Sunshine to Maritime Transport.

After exhaustive outreach to placement partners throughout North America, ARC has identified a group of partners in Nova Scotia that has the sufficient resources to foster these animals and make them part of a loving family. Many of the animals already have adoptive homes awaiting them. The relocation of these animals will be accomplished in two round trips in a large RV motor home purchased locally and steeply discounted by Mike Thompson RV in Cathedral City. The first transport will be leaving Palm Springs the morning of Thursday, February 7th.

“Animal Rescue Corps is proud to be further building on our existing partnership with the Friends of Palm Springs Animal Shelter through this proactive relocation program,” said ARC President Scotlund Haisley. “And we are very grateful to Mike Thompson RV for stepping up to support the effort to help these animals.”

Among the animals being transported are dogs rescued during Operation Desert Dogs, the removal of 15 dogs by ARC in partnership with the Friends of Palm Springs Animal Shelter, Palm Springs Police and Animal Control on January 22 from unsafe and unsanitary conditions at a home in Palm Springs. The remainder of the dogs from Operation Desert Dogs are also being relocated to additional ARC placement partners in subsequent transports.

These dogs were under-socialized and had a number of physical problems when we rescued them,” said Haisley, “but they have been progressing emotionally, socially, and physically in response to the individualized care and attention they have been receiving from Animal Rescue Corps staff and volunteers and will only continue to improve in the care of our partners who will find them permanent, loving homes.”

“This relocation effort is one of many exciting and progressive steps being taken by the Friends of Palm Springs Animal Shelter to create sustainable solutions for our homeless animal population and better serve the people and animals of Palm Springs, and a further evolution to a very productive partnership with Animal Rescue Corps.” said Friends of Palm Springs Animal Shelter board Vice President, Stephen Boyd, who has been integral in the creation of this partnership and served as liaison between ARC and the City Palm Springs on the recent Operation Desert Dogs. “We could not be more grateful for our partnership with Animal Rescue Corps,” said Friends of the Palm Springs Animal Shelter board President, Dr. Doug Kunz.

Animal Rescue Corps performed Operation Desert Dogs in conjunction with Ady Gil World Conservation, PetSmart Charities, the Palm Springs Police Department, Palm Springs Animal Control and the Palm Springs Animal Shelter.

The dogs, large-breed Labrador and Shepherd mixes were living in unsafe and unsanitary conditions in such proximity that they were injuring each other, a number of them having open bite wounds and scarring.

“These dogs were removed from this situation to avoid further serious injuries and continued suffering.” said ARC President Scotlund Haisley. “This is a considerable case for a city whose shelter is already at near capacity with homeless animals and Animal Rescue Corps did not hesitate to answer the call for assistance for the sake of our partners and these dogs.”

All the dogs on the property were surrendered to Animal Rescue Corps and were transported to the Palm Springs Animal Shelter where ARC has set up a temporary emergency shelter. Their daily care and medical needs will be met by ARC staff and volunteers until they can be assessed for placement and transported to ARC shelter and rescue partners across North America.

“Palm Springs Animal Shelter is committed to the well-being of this city’s human and animal residents,” said Palm Springs Animal Shelter board President, Dr. Doug Kunz. “We’re incredibly grateful for Animal Rescue Corps in assisting the City of Palm Springs in bringing this situation to a successful conclusion.”

Animal Rescue Corps performed Operation Desert Dogs in conjunction with Ady Gil World Conservation, PetSmart Charities, the Palm Springs Police Department, Palm Springs Animal Control and the Palm Springs Animal Shelter.

On November 24, 2012 after officials responded to a brush fire at an Ashland City residence Thanksgiving night and discovered a large number of dogs chained around the property and identified dogfighting paraphernalia. International non-profit animal protection organization Animal Rescue Corps (ARC) was called in to assist in the removal and care of the 60 dogs, mostly American Pit Bull Terrier mixes and some Beagles and hound mixes, all requiring medical attention, none with access to food or fresh water.

A grand jury heard evidence yesterday and decided there was enough evidence for the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the Cheatham County Sheriff’s Department to seek arrest warrants.  Each of the four men were charged with 60 counts of cruelty to animals, one count of animal fighting, and one count of aggravated cruelty to animals.  Avery Bell was also charged with setting fire to personal property and burning without a permit.   All four men have been booked into Cheatham County Jail and are being held on $50,000 bond. 

“I applaud the decision of the grand jury, the charges that have been filed, and how seriously Cheatham County and the state of Tennessee are taking this case,” said ARC President Scotlund Haisley. “We believe this was the largest dog fighting rescue in Tennessee history so this is certainly a historic case.”

The majority of the dogs have been placed with ARC rescue partners around the country, some of whom are already in adoptive homes. The dogs who have not yet been placed remain in the custody of Cheatham County Animal Control while ARC continues seeking resources for them with partners around North America.

Animal Rescue Corps performed Operation Broken Chain in conjunction with: Cheatham County Animal Control; New Leash on Life, a shelter in Lebanon, TN; PetSmart Charities; Agape Animal Rescue out of Nashville; and the Nashville Zoo.  Animal Rescue Corps also acknowledges with appreciation the many rescue groups nationwide who are assisting with the rehabilitation and placement of the dogs from Operation Broken Chain.

Together, we are making the change we wish to see…

ARC volunteers provide comfort in emergency shelter

As Animal Rescue Corps’ ranks of compassion soldiers continue to swell, I am very proud of what we are creating together and you should be as well. Whether you are one of our 700 ARC Angels, have volunteered at an ARC rescue or event, have provided funds for our life-saving work, are a valued placement partner, or have simply spread the word about our critical suffering-ending work – you are the Corps. You are responsible for giving hope to thousands – thousands of animals who only knew fear and darkness before we liberated them and gave them new life.

As we begin a new year together, it is worth a moment to reflect on the year that has ended and allow that to inspire us to make even greater advances in the year ahead.  I am amazed by what we have accomplished together this past year. We yet again witnessed unimaginable suffering and together we cut the chains, tore down the cages, bound the wounds, and saved lives.

We entered into the sadistic dog fighting industry – where dogs are pitted against one another for human greed and entertainment. Our crusade to put an end to the cruel confines of puppy mills continued – an industry that profits from the unimaginable suffering of millions of dogs a year.

Opening the pens: Operation Freedom Dogs

We responded to the pleas of dozens of animals who needed our help after Hurricane Isaac and hundreds more who were held captive in deplorable conditions under the control of a mental disorder known as hoarding – the second most common form of animal cruelty in the United States. We came to aid of other neglected and abused animals of many different species, including victims of the cruel exotics industry.  And we continued to assist our law enforcement partners in confronting the individuals who profit from exploiting innocent lives. 

In 2012 Animal Rescue Corps fulfilled, in varying degrees, every aspect of our mission and purpose. We offered relief, resources, and proactive assessment and direction to private and municipal animal shelters and rescues throughout the U.S. We trained and certified hundreds of volunteers in our Basic Animal Rescue Course(BARC). We expanded our humane education mission as we were featured in HBO’s “One Nation Under Dog” and launched our “Educate 2 End” initiative with public service announcements featuring musician Sheryl Crow.

Basic Animal Rescue Course, Dallas, TX

I am not only pleased with what we have been able to accomplish for the animal together, I am incredibly proud of how we do it. ARC is driven by a small army of compassionate volunteers and the generosity of people who believe supporting ARC is one of the best ways to invest in compassion. We are small but we are an efficient and effective organization with more than 85 cents of every dollar raised going directly to our mission related activities and rescue operations.

Looking forward to 2013, we will continue to expand the solid base we are creating together.  Our story of compassion-in-action will continue to touch the hearts of individuals who care about animals as we do.  We will strengthen existing partnerships and build new alliances, because by working together we will put an end to animal suffering.  We will continue to improve communication and show appreciation to our donors and volunteers, who make these life-saving efforts possible.  Certainly important among these is to continue to communicate the importance of and show appreciation to the ranks of our monthly contributors, our ARC Angels.

Important to all our supporters, we will continue to challenge ourselves to become an even more efficient and effective organization for the animals.  And, we will work very hard to reach an even wider audience to plant the seeds of compassion for all animals.  Working together, through our unique and determined compassionate action, even greater change will come, bringing us closer and closer to the responsible and kind society we wish to see.

On behalf of those who benefit from your acts of compassion, thank you and Happy New Year!

Scotlund Haisley

President and Founder, Animal Rescue Corps

Dog fighting, a serious problem in both urban and rural areas across the U.S. and throughout the world, is a felony offense at a federal level and in all 50 states. This cruel and sadistic activity pits dogs against each other in one of the most barbaric forms of entertainment and gambling. As two dogs, usually American Pit Bull Terriers or Staffordshire Bull Terriers, are unleashed upon one another the spectators root for the dog they have gambled on while watching both dogs receive critical and often fatal wounds.

During fights, dogs suffer ripped flesh, broken bones, and punctured lungs. Death from blood loss, shock, dehydration, infection, and exhaustion is common and can even happen days after a fight. If the losing dog does not die in the fight, his owner is likely to kill him by shooting, beating, hanging, drowning, or electrocution. The dog fighter’s motto is “breed the best and bury the rest”.

The victimization these dogs endure is not limited to the fighting ring. Their entire tortured lives are spent in horrific conditions. Their most basic needs of adequate food, water, shelter, and companionship are often not met. They are kept outdoors on thick, heavy logging or tow chains that usually weigh as much as three times the body weight of the dog. The only time they are removed from the chain is to fight or endure agonizing conditioning and training regimens. Those designated as bait dogs or breeder dogs will often have all of their teeth hammered out or filed down. The breeding process itself is very cruel, utilizing “rape stands” to bind females so they can be forcibly bred.

Because dog fighting is an underground activity it is difficult to determine how many dog fighting operations there are in the U.S. However, based on reports of dog fighting and evidence found on local and state levels, it is estimated that there are tens of thousands of organized dog fighters and hundreds of thousands of street dog fighters. It is also estimated that tens of thousands of dogs die every year as a result of dog fighting. These animals, whose loyal nature is manipulated for human gain, suffer in every aspect of their lives as they are bred, conditioned, and trained to fight.

Every ARC rescue operation has the common thread of great suffering but we never truly know what to expect until we are on the ground. The Operation Broken Chain dogs had long been suffering at the ends of their chains, some of them so physically broken they could barely even bring themselves to lift their heads to greet their rescuers.

As we walked onto the property, through the chilling morning haze, our team met the imploring eyes of 60 dogs without clean water and starving for food, warmth, and attention. Most were burdened with heavy, 3-inch thick tow chains, with only chemical barrels and dilapidated wooden boxes intended as dog houses — this was the only life they had ever known. Many were emaciated and sick, others are literally scarred for life, while the remains of those who lost the battle were strewn throughout the property. The images of suffering our team witnessed were grim and for some of us, unbearable. I continue to lose sleep over the haunting site of a single noose dangling from a tree and three fresh burn piles with the remains of several dogs nearby. While the ghosts of the dogs we were too late for will remain with me for the rest of my life, we must focus on the living and those that we can collectively help and offer a chance at new life.

Over the past two weeks ARC’s team of amazing volunteers have been providing the Operation Broken Chain dogs with the care, compassion, and respect they have never known. Medical exams are complete and treatments are ongoing. Each dog has received vaccinations, a heart worm test, de-wormer, and topical flea treatment. We have also completed sterilizations for most of the dogs. Behavior assessments have been conducted and training, socialization, and enrichment programs have been put in place to meet their individual needs. Many have already been placed in foster homes, and we continue to identify placement partners through out North America who are prepared to offer these dogs the next steps in their rehabilitation process and provide them with the opportunity of enjoying a loving and responsible home.

As I walk through our emergency shelter at the end of every day, I feel an overwhelming sense of relief that this dog fighting operation has been eradicated — forever ending the cruel cycle of abuse for these dogs. By shutting down this operation we have collectively saved untold generations of fighting dogs, the pain and misery of being bred only to quench the blood lust of those involved in this hideous industry. Joy and relief wash over our exhausted team of volunteers as they witness the comforting sight of these dogs reclaiming the lives that were stolen from them. Knowing that without the intervention of many compassionate individuals these animals would have faced a future of untold horrors is our ultimate reward.

During this holiday season, please join ARC as we celebrate the lives of these 60 dogs and the hundreds more animals that we have liberated this year from the clutches of cruel individuals and the industries that profit from suffering.

Please watch in the coming weeks for us to share a comprehensive video documenting this rescue and the journey to a new life that is beginning for the dogs of Operation Broken Chain. If you haven’t already, please watch the short on scene video of this rescue by clicking here.  Thank you.

On Thanksgiving night the Ashland City Fire Department and the Pleasant View Fire Department responded to a brush fire at an Ashland City residence. Their discovery of a large number of dogs chained around the property prompted them to call Cheatham County Animal Control (CCAC) who identified the situation as a suspected dog fighting/breeding operation. CCAC found 65 dogs, mostly American Pit Bull Terriers and some Beagles, all requiring medical attention, none with access to food or fresh water.

“We believe this is the largest dog fighting rescue in Tennessee history,” said ARC President Scotlund Haisley. “The conditions Animal Rescue Corps found on this property are the worst I have ever seen at a dog fighting operation in my 22-year career in animal protection.”

CCAC identified dogfighting paraphernalia such as a treadmill, fighting pen, and a spring pole used for strengthening dogs’ jaws. The dogs are underweight, have sores covering their bodies, and are exhibiting signs of internal parasites, but are all very eager for affection despite their desperate living conditions and medical needs.

“I quickly realized that Cheatham County Animal Control needed support in immediately addressing this situation,” said CCAC Director TJ Jordi. “The Animal Rescue Corps team was on the ground in less than 24 hours to support this rescue operation.”

All the animals on the property were surrendered to CCAC and relocated to an emergency shelter outside of Nashville. Their daily care and medical needs will be met by ARC until they can be assessed for placement and transported to partners around the country.

Animal Rescue Corps performed this rescue in conjunction with: Cheatham County Animal Control; New Leash on Life, a shelter in Lebanon, TN; Agape Animal Rescue out of Nashville; the Nashville Zoo and the Tennessee State Highway Patrol.

Sheryl Crow & Buttercup speak out against puppy mills.

One of ARC’s functions is rescuing animals from large-scale situations of suffering, including puppy mills. In the PSA Sheryl Crow explains, “Puppy mills are mass-production factories where mother dogs suffer their entire lives producing nearly 100 percent of the puppies sold in pet stores and on the Internet.” Puppy mills, which also sell dogs through newspaper ads, sometimes warehouse hundreds of dogs on a single property in small, overcrowded, unsanitary, wire-floored cages without sufficient food, water, grooming, socialization, or veterinary care. Therefore, puppy mill dogs suffer from a multitude of social, emotional, and physical conditions.

With an estimated 15,000 puppy mills in the United States, Animal Rescue Corps is dedicated to educating the public in order to end the cruelty and suffering these puppy mills perpetuate. Animal Rescue Corps President Scotlund Haisley has shut down dozens of puppy mills in his career including three since founding ARC in 2011.

“Puppy mills are an unimaginable hell of endless suffering,” said Haisley. “Dogs are forced to have litter after litter and when they can no longer produce, they are thrown away like trash.  We believe that people will not support this cruelty when they know the truth, so we have a responsibility to bring awareness to this suffering and put an end to puppy mills.”

ARC’s Educate To End Puppy Mills initiative asks supporters and the public to become involved by sharing the PSA and taking a pledge to educate others in order to end puppy mills and promote companion animal adoption.   Millions of adoptable animals are put to death in our nation’s shelters each year, ARC stresses that adoption is the only humane and compassionate choice when choosing an animal companion.

Sheryl Crow and ARC Team Members

The PSA closes with a life-saving plea from Crow: “Animal Rescue Corps and I ask you to visit your local animal shelter or rescue when choosing your next animal companion. You will not only be saving a life, you be helping put an end to [the cruel industry of puppy mills].”

To learn more, please visit www.educate2end.org or www.animalrescuecorps.org.

ARC deployed personnel, equipment, donated food, and monetary resources to the Gulf coast, to offer relief to PALS Rescue Inc. in McComb, MS and Swampy Paws Canine Rescue in Killian, LA. Both non-profits sustained damage to their facilities during Hurricane Isaac that decreased their capacity by 50 percent, immediately overcrowding their facilities and making it difficult for them to respond to ongoing calls for assistance from the community.

“ARC exists to be a resource to communities overwhelmed by natural disasters and cases of animal cruelty,” said ARC President Scotlund Haisley. “We are honored to be able to offer assistance to the compassionate people doing good work at PALS and Swampy Paws following Hurricane Isaac.”

ARC proudly recognizes both The Arthur E. Benjamin Foundation and Ady Gil World Conservation for pledging financial support to these disaster response operations.

“Texan ARC supporters and volunteers have been eagerly anticipating our Basic Animal Rescue Course (BARC),” said ARC President Scotlund Haisley. “I’m excited for the experienced ARC team to meet the demand.”

BARC is the most comprehensive and affordable class currently offered on the structure of emergency response and the invaluable knowledge and skills necessary to aid animals in natural disasters, large-scale cruelty cases and many other situations. Topics will include animal handling, investigations, logistics, intake, emergency sheltering, volunteer management, and much more.

“The ARC rescue team has deployed to Texas for large-scale rescues several times in the last year,” said Texas State Liaison Monica Ailey. “BARC is an opportunity for our existing volunteers to strengthen their skills, for new partners to better understand what ARC does and how to get involved, and for anyone who loves animals to learn more about the issues affecting them and how to address them.”

Attendees will receive an ARC certificate for the Basic Animal Rescue Course and will be better prepared to volunteer with ARC or other groups working to protect animals.

BARC will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Restoration Church – 4343 Sigma Road, Suite 200, Farmer’s Branch, Texas. There is plentiful parking available at the church. Early registration has begun and the $65 cost is effective through September 14. After September 14 the registration fee is $75. The class is filling up fast so interested individuals are encouraged to register soon at http://animalrescuecorps.org/BARC.

Lunch will generously be provided by local restaurant Spiral Diner and Bakery.

As most of you know, Animal Rescue Corps spent all of July in Tennessee saving nearly 200 animals in two large-scale rescue missions – Operation Freedom Parts 1 and 2 – and we’ve since been proudly sharing (through pictures and updates) the work we, along with our supporters, partners and volunteers, collectively accomplished. Just this past Friday we premiered the feature video of our latest operations, but, as those who have seen it already know, this wasn’t our usual recap of a rescue. Though we sometimes expand our coverage in both time and scope to highlight a particular animal’s story or a specific aspect of our work, we usually share, sometimes in just two-three minutes, a quick look at what is really a much larger and complex story.

Those complexities and details have now been captured in this unique short film. This in-depth ARC documentary, the first of its kind, presents the manifold processes of large-scale rescue operations, granting those who haven’t been on deployment an understanding they’ve never before had of the intricacies of our work and reminding those who were there of the precious moments we shared and the sweat and tears we happily shed in accomplishing our mission.

Please enjoy and share this story of freedom and justice for all.

I am filled with pride as I watch the individuals who carried out the many specialized responsibilities on these operations give their accounts of their roles and experiences as we lead you from the case histories to the animals’ forever homes. The film’s narrative really takes the viewer on the rescue with us – from the initial assessment and setup to the satisfying closure as we see the animals heading down the path to recovery and rehabilitation with their foster families. Join us in watching this short film and then sharing with others the joy that comes with seeing the before images of animals who were desperate for relief followed by the after pictures of these same animals in clear, cool ponds in which they can freely swim and stretch their wings, in lush pastures in which they happily graze and forage, and in comfy beds in which they can peacefully relax.

Many people want to join Animal Rescue Corps on a rescue and as we grow, we hope to make that a possibility for more and more people. Whether you fill one of the few, specialized roles on the extraction team or you are one of the compassionate volunteers at the ARC emergency shelter offering a gentle touch and ensuring high-quality daily care and social enrichment… it is an immeasurably rewarding and memorable experience every time to witness firsthand the phoenixes rise from the ashes.

Whether you ever physically attend a rescue or not, I know you always stand with us in spirit, and we will continue to bring you along with us and share every part of this work with you through pictures, videos, stories, and documentaries like this one – our most comprehensive to date. It is important for you to know, you don’t have to be on the ground with us to put your compassion into action. Each dollar you give, each rescue image you share, each message you spread, helps us keep our promise to the animals we save that their suffering has ended forever.

You are the Corps and your collective and continued support makes great things for the animals possible. Thank you for all of your hard work and support. We couldn’t do it without YOU!

Until they suffer no more,

Scotlund Haisley
President and Founder
Animal Rescue Corps

P.S.: Please check our website and Facebook page regularly for volunteer positions needing to be filled and information on when we will be bringing our volunteer training – Basic Animal Rescue Course (BARC) – to a location near you. In the meantime, through your personal and professional lives, take your own talents and knowledge of animal suffering to find creative ways to join us in putting an end to the many horrific abuses of animals and make this a truly civilized nation.

The animals include 24 chickens, 12 rabbits, 12 dogs (including a Great Pyrenees mix, a Chow mix, a Border Collie mix, and small terrier mixes), seven cats, six ducks, three Musk turtles, one goose, one goat, and one donkey. Most of the animals are underweight, suffering from external parasites, and have untreated wounds. Their living conditions were hazardous to their physical, social, and emotional well being and no animals had access to clean water or sufficient food.

“These animals were in desperate need of immediate help so the team didn’t hesitate to jump on board for what we’re calling Operation Freedom Part Two,” said ARC President Scotlund Haisley. “We’re honored to partner with the White County Sheriff’s Office to provide them and these animals our expertise and resources. It’s thanks to our dedicated supporters that we are able to say yes to these emergency requests.”

ARC has been on the ground in Tennessee since Operation Freedom Dogs, the July 3 rescue of nearly 100 dogs from a hoarding situation in Lebanon. The ARC team was caring for the dogs at its temporary shelter at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds when they got a call for emergency assistance from the White County Sheriff’s Office.

“It’s not unusual that we get a call about animals in need when we’re already in town on another rescue,” said Haisley. “When the White County Sheriff’s Office heard we were in town, they recognized their opportunity to clear up this situation that has been going on for too long.”

Animal Rescue Corps safely removed all of the animals from the property and they will be joining the dogs from last week’s Operation Freedom Dogs who are still being cared for at the emergency shelter at the Fairgrounds in Nashville. The animals from today’s operation will also receive a veterinary exam, appropriate vaccinations, and any necessary immediate medical treatment by a team of local veterinarians. ARC will provide daily care for all the animals until they can be placed with shelters and rescue groups.

Animal Rescue Corps performed this rescue in conjunction with: the White County Sheriff’s Office, Ady Gil World Conservation, the Tennessee State Fairgrounds, New Leash on Life, Agape Animal Rescue, Holistic Pet Source, A Time 4 Paws, and the White County Animal Shelter. For more information about Animal Rescue Corps, please visit www.animalrescuecorps.org.

Tim Woodward
Chief Operations Officer
Animal Rescue Corps

This situation, which started with eight unsterilized dogs two decades ago, devolved into a case of hoarding – the largest ever addressed in Wilson County. When responders arrived at the property, they found approximately 110 medium to large dogs, including various mixes of breeds such as Shepherds, Chows, Terriers, Labradors, and Rottweilers, living in feces-laden ramshackle pens with no doors. The dogs only had dilapidated wooden boxes and rusted-through metal bins to use as housing.

“The temperatures in Tennessee have been brutal lately and these dogs have had no shaded relief from the sun or any clean water, the conditions are extremely crowded and unsanitary, and therefore unsafe.” said ARC Tennessee State Liaison Peg Petrelli. “One dog so far has been found dead and the evidence suggests many have not survived this harsh environment.”

Many of the dogs rescued have been affected by medical conditions such as mange, broken legs, bone disorders, conjunctivitis, and blindness resulting from their living conditions and the absence of daily care and medical attention. Many are also un-socialized to humans and very shy because of their lack of individualized attention. All of the animals were surrendered to Wilson County Animal Control.

“We owe our deepest gratitude to the ARC team; without their expertise, assistance and resources this large scale rescue would not have been possibly.” said Wilson County Animal Control Director Mary Burger. “We are grateful Animal Rescue Corps is finally giving these dogs the care they deserve.”

ARC President Scotlund Haisley noted “Hoarding is a form of animal cruelty affecting hundreds of thousands of animals annually in the   U.S.  These victims of abuse can suffer for many years, often hidden and unnoticed.”

In this rescue dubbed Operation Freedom Dogs, ARC is safely removing all of the animals and transporting them to an emergency shelter set up at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds in Nashville. Each animal 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 the animals can be placed with shelters and rescue groups.

Animal Rescue Corps performed this rescue in conjunction with: Wilson County Animal Control, Ady Gil World Conservation, The Tennessee State Fairgrounds, Wilson County Emergency Management and New Leash on Life.

Scotlund at NYC premier of One Nation Under Dog

Animal Rescue Corps and some of its valued partners including Snooty Giggles Dog Rescue, PAWS New England, and John Gagnon’s Pet Resort are featured in this latest call to action captured on celluloid, HBO’s One Nation Under Dog. This documentary exposes several difficult truths, aspects of which have never before been presented in the mass media. In three parts, it explores themes of “Fear”, “Loss”, and “Betrayal”, as they relate to a species that for thousands of years has stood loyally by our side.

In “Betrayal”, Animal Rescue Corps leads the viewer behind the scenes of “that doggie in the window” into the puppy mill industry, showing the real, but hidden cost of buying dogs from stores, online, or through newspaper ads. Revealed are the cruel confines and the neglect that millions of dogs endure at the hands of greed, funded by choices born of ignorance. The connection is made to the irrefutable, massive, negative impact puppy mills have on this country’s pet population crisis and how our society deals with it – Millions of dogs are born in puppy mills every year, while, in the same period, millions are put to death in animal shelters across the country. This is just one of the enlightening facts that this documentary imparts on its viewers as it provides a raw, unprecedented look at our society’s failing “man’s best friend”. It is hard to watch, but watch we must. It is painful, but it is also inspirational. It is impossible to see this film and not be motivated to take immediate action. The action this film takes and the action viewers are called to take is to spread the message. One Nation Under Dog arms people with the knowledge they need to make changes in their own lives and will inspire them to make changes in our society.

One Nation Under Dog premiers on HBO on June 18th.

You can view a trailer for this film by clicking below:

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“These sweet dogs have been living in cramped quarters without individualized attention for far too long. Some have unaddressed medical conditions,” said ARC President Scotlund Haisley. “Today they start their new lives and will immediately get the care they need and soon be loved family members.”

The Canadian dogs will immediately be transported to placement partners: East Coast German Shepherd Rescue in Nova Scotia; Birch Haven Rescue & Rehabilitation Services, New Beginnings Pet Rescue, and Hopeful Hearts in Ontario; Jersey Shore Animal Center in New Jersey; and the Humane Society of Berks County in Pennsylvania.

“Animal Rescue Corps will have traveled more than 3,000 miles (more than 4,800 kilometers) before these back-to-back rescues are complete. ARC was in Arizona when we got the call from Canada to help but we didn’t hesitate with our positive answer,” said Haisley. “It has been a busy week and a half for us but we’ve changed a lot of lives in just 10 days.”

On May 27, while investigating a separate cruelty report in Arizona, Animal Rescue Corps responded to an immediate opportunity to rescue 15 dogs and one rabbit from a dilapidated Bullmastiff puppy mill outside Safford, AZ, about two hours northeast of Tucson. Acting quickly, Haisley and teams of volunteers gathered the necessary equipment and supplies then drove from Texas to Arizona to set up a temporary shelter to house the animals until they were transported to placement partners in Arizona, Texas, and Louisiana where they will soon be available for adoption. Placement partners include American Bullmastiff Association, Little Rascals Rescue, and Save the Giants.

ARC proudly recognizes the financial sponsors of both the Arizona and Canada rescues – the BISSELL Pet Foundation, The Arthur E. Benjamin Foundation, and American Dog Rescue – as well as the invaluable support of local volunteers for helping make these rescues possible.

Responding to a tip from a concerned citizen about the condition of the animals, Animal Rescue Corps’ State Liaison, Monica Orta Ailey, contacted the Graham County Sheriff’s Department about the property. The Sheriff’s Department and ARC’s President Scotlund Haisley visited the property where the animals were found to be living in dilapidated, unsafe structures; with inadequate water and shade provided.

The property owner cooperated and surrendered fifteen dogs and one rabbit to Animal Rescue Corps. In conjunction with Graham County Animal Control, ARC removed the animals from the property and is providing temporary shelter at the Graham County Fairgrounds where they await placement with ARC’s placement partners throughout the region.

ARC’s President, Scotlund Haisley, said “In addition to the unsafe environment and lacking basic necessities, some of the animals are suffering from medical conditions such as fly strike, alopecia, and mammary tumors.”

ARC is providing safe shelter and care for the animals and transports are about to begin. The majority of the animals will be going to Mastiff rescue groups in Arizona, Texas and Louisiana. ARC will announce the placement partners as soon as possible and the animals will be available for adoption as soon as they are evaluated and medically cleared.

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