Importance of Animal Rescue 

Animal rescue is a vitally important social activity that assists in defending animals from perilous circumstances that frequently involve brutality and abuse. Due to costly medical issues, evictions, or other unforeseen circumstances, many animals end up in shelters. It is tempting to demonize people who give up their pets, but as animal activists, we must remember that frequently, people give up their pets because they think it is best for the animal or because they have exhausted all other options. Animal rescue in general is crucial, not just for the animals themselves but also because it's a beautiful method to support the environment and improve the planet. 

Difference between Animal Rescue and Animal Shelter

It might be challenging to define the distinctions between animal shelters and animal rescues. This is as a result of the two terms' high degree of ambiguity and flexibility. Animal shelters may even be considered a subgroup of animal rescues in some locations that interpret the phrase "animal rescue" widely. If there were a significant distinction, it would be that animal rescue groups are frequently foster-based organizations while animal shelters normally have buildings where animals are housed. However, this does not imply that all animal shelters lack foster parents, since many do. The fact that many animal rescue organizations collaborate with boarding facilities to house their animals furthers the confusion between the two. 

Why Should You Help Animal Rescue and the Fight Against Animal Cruelty? 

• Animals should be treated decently and with care for both their physical and emotional well-being because they are sentient beings. Rescue is important to aid in restoring the well-being of animals who have been neglected, harmed, or ignored by civilization because, unfortunately, this doesn't always occur.

• Factory farms subject the animals that are raised for food to unfathomable anguish and suffering. They are slaughtered well before the end of their natural lives, are frequently unable to stand or move correctly due to their unusual size or the confined spaces in which they live. They are also routinely separated from their offspring just hours after giving birth.

• It is commonly known that puppy mills, which are essentially industrial farms for dogs, and the puppies they generate have issues. These establishments frequently fail to provide the dogs with normal veterinary treatment and keep them in filthy conditions where it is impossible to keep them free from parasites and common infectious diseases. Compared to puppies from non-commercial breeders, dogs from these factories are more prone to exhibit aggression and other behavioural issues. The conditions under which they were bred make it likely that these puppies will also be ill or hurt.

What Are the Most Common Types Of Animal Abuse?

• Animal testing: Due to inadequate record-keeping procedures, it is difficult to determine the precise number of animals that suffer as a result of animal testing for cosmetics and pharmaceuticals; estimates put the number globally in the tens of millions. These animals are exposed to diseases they wouldn't have ordinarily developed, chemicals, and various forms of physical and psychological abuse. After serving the scientific community, many of these animals won't be able to find new homes and will pass away too soon.

• Hunting and fishing: Contrary to what many were raised to believe, fish likely can feel pain meaning that catch and release fishing does cause harm to the animals caught. Like fishing, hunting at large is an activity that causes a great amount of suffering to the animals involved.

• Starvation: Animal neglect can sometimes lead to starvation. This is especially true of animals that are contained and neglected, as they are helpless to obtain their own food. Long-term starvation can cause a myriad of other health issues including liver degeneration and anemia. 

• Puppy Mills: Puppy mills are essentially factory farms for dogs. They prioritize profit over the welfare of the animal and the person purchasing their new family member. Toward this end, dogs are often stacked in kennels one on top of the other and bred repeatedly. They often also lack sufficient veterinary care and develop diseases as a result.

How to Rescue Animals? 

Volunteer at Your Local Animal Shelter

Animal shelters everywhere are always looking for volunteers to work with the animals. Often they have several different roles to choose from. Perhaps you prefer to walk dogs or spend one on one time with cats or maybe you’re most excited by the idea of helping match animals with the perfect new family. Regardless of your interests, you’ll find a way to help out. 

Donate to Animal Rescue Organizations

Donating supplies or money to an animal rescue organization is an awesome way to help make sure they can continue rescuing animals year after year.

Foster Animals Until They Find Forever Homes

Most animal rescues and shelters will have a foster program to help place animals in homes while they wait for their forever family. Even if you are only able to commit to short-term fostering, providing a much-needed break from the stress of the shelter environment can be just what an animal needs to get adopted. 

Amplify Information About Shelter Animals

If you are active on social media or are able to spread information on shelter animals in other ways, consider sharing the profiles and pictures of the animals at your local shelter. This helps increase exposure for the animals and may result in an adoption.

Stop Consuming Animal Products

One of the best ways to cut down on farmed animal suffering is to stop consuming animal products. By choosing more plant-based options you are reducing the demand for animal suffering which reduces the number of animals enduring lives on factory farms. 

Report Animal Abuse When You See It

If you suspect that you are witnessing, or have witnessed, animal abuse, reach out to your local animal shelter to discuss the situation and determine the next steps. 

Keep Your Animals Safe

Keeping the animals that you share your space with happy and healthy is one important way to help with animal rescue. By ensuring your animals are well-loved and cared for you are leading by example and can make sure that you have a positive influence on those in your community. 

Start an Animal Rescue Fundraiser

If you’re looking for a shorter-term but highly impactful way to make a difference and get involved in animal rescue, consider organizing a fundraiser. Whether fundraising money through a bake sale or supplies at work or school, the animals and rescue organizations will be grateful for your support. 

As varied as the animals and people they help are the animal rescue organisations. Regardless of the species they house, all of them strive to improve the lives of animals in distress. Farm sanctuaries provide animals that were earlier distressed by farming with a stimulating and comfortable environment in which to dwell. Municipal shelters can hold hundreds of animals at once, making them loud and hectic places to be. But behind all the commotion, there are animals being loved and cared for until they are reunited with their families or matched with new ones. Despite these variations, each of these organisations employs lengthy hours from individuals who genuinely care about animals and have dedicated their life to their wellbeing. Next time you’re at an animal shelter or rescue take a moment to thank a staff member.