Sometimes those who set about to save animals don’t have what it takes to run a rescue. Sometimes, a rescuer’s underlying motives or mental status are suspect. Sometimes, the best of intentions hit a serious snag. Regardless, when rescuers fail to deliver on their mission – it’s the animals that suffer.
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| Courtesy of Purr Photography |
Take the recent nightmare at Caboodle Ranch. Nine years ago, Craig Grant bought property and began collecting stray and abandoned cats. He built an adorable sanctuary for homeless cats. Like a little village, small houses dotted the large property in Florida where the cats had free roam. Finances apparently became an impediment to properly caring for them.
In late February of this year, the ASPCA seized over 700 cats from Caboodle Ranch – and because so many of these felines were sick, showing signs of neglect, Grant now faces charges of cruelty.
Grant, and those speaking on his behalf, insist the picture was quite different than what PETA and the ASPCA have made it out to be – and that the sick cats photographed were in fact recent residents of the property’s “sick ward” (and thus obviously sick, but not neglected).
One has to wonder, though, that if no cat was ever allowed the possibility of adoption, of ever leaving this sanctuary, if Grant was truly clear-headed in his considerations of his feline charges. And even with volunteers helping, hundreds of cats adds up to an enormous responsibility that could too easily become out of control.
The sheer number of animals involved at Caboodle Ranch is an extreme example of what many rescuers ultimately wrestle with. What may begin as a sincere effort to take positive action out of concern for unfortunate animals, can lead all too easily to a state of becoming overwhelmed, to accusations of hoarding or worse yet, neglect or abuse.
How often is someone who’s charged with such offenses quoted as saying they just wanted to help the animals? When have you not heard of a hoarder who loves the animals they amassed?
A couple of weeks ago, a local rescue group flaunted a severe lack of concern for an injured cat, in my opinion. Many rescues secure a booth at the Chicago Pet Expo, a large and popular event for pet lovers, and many showcase a few of their pets in need of adoption.
This particular rescue, however, somehow thought it would be great for fundraising to bring along an injured cat they’d rescued – before it was treated for its injuries!
At this large convention, with throngs of people, activities, and even other pets – this group was showing off their latest “critical condition” rescued casualty. The cat had been hit by a car, suffered a broken pelvis, and had not yet been treated. The cat was dirty, cowering in a carrier. It was explained that it hadn’t been cleaned because the vet recommended not moving it until after surgery.
I dare anyone to explain to me how a cat was loaded into a carrier, transported to the Expo, then to the booth – without “moving” it.
If you’re wondering – yep, people were allowed to pet this injured cat, with a warning that it was dirty. This is apparently how this rescue group figures they can garner donations. Looking over their website, I have to say I got nauseous. Pompous, righteous, arrogant, know-it-all, focused on $$$ — and self-promoting of the founder. That’s what I saw.
Did these people begin with good intentions toward cats in need? I assume so. There’s no way I’d describe the rescue as such now, though. Sadly, your average person looking to either adopt from or contribute to a worthy cause might very well be impressed by the hype on this site.
I was coping with the pain of a broken wrist when my friend told me, horrified, what she’d witnessed that day at the Expo. You can imagine how much I could relate to that poor cat. The good news is that another friend approached the rescue and, in no uncertain terms, admonished them for their treatment of the cat. It was taken away, and I pray it’s received proper care and is now doing well.
This is from that rescue organization’s site:
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| (Not the cat mentioned) Jaguar, hit by a car, rescued and immediately treated by AHF |
The animal’s health and welfare is first attended to; later, we may tell its story in order to ask for donations. Never, ever, would we risk the safety or comfort of a dog or cat for the purposes of raising funds. Never.
I’m proud to be a member of Almost Home Foundation, and very grateful for the smart leadership that has kept the organization on course to successfully assist so many homeless pets. I only wish all rescuers used the same business-like (and sane) approach.
Those who choose to donate should carefully screen the financial status of a rescue, in addition to the stated intentions and beliefs about animal welfare. A well-run rescue will ultimately have a greater impact; your donations will be put to best use.
And we who work in rescue need to beware of taking ourselves too seriously, thinking too much of ourselves, and from that causing harm to those we purport to help. In other words, do it right or don’t do it at all.
It’s Blog the Change for Animals – click on the image to enjoy a collection of ideas on how to effect change for our animal friends!
That story makes me feel absolutely ill. I can’t say that I wouldn’t have called Animal Cruelty on the spot and brought them out there (but then. I can be a real hot head when I am mad). That poor poor kitty :0(
A lot of cautionary tales within this thought provoking article. That awful situation at Caboodle Ranch and the video in question, made the news in Britain. Quite shocking and heartbreaking.
And your final sentence summed it up. “In other words, do it right or don’t do it at all.”
Take care and I have duly linked this article to some social networks. You have an important message and it needs to heard.
With respect and kind wishes, Gary
I can’t understand why anyone would think taking an injured cat to an event would be a good idea. I have to believe that whoever made that decision was more concerned about the organization (and possible donations)than the animal. Shame on them!
Holy crap Kim! I CANNOT believe that rescue brought an injured cat to the Expo. WTH?
I can relate to your thoughts on some rescues and rescuers though. We have a couple of rescuers here that have been so dedicated to rescuing SO MANY animals that they are often overwhelmed, and in my opinion, irresponsible with the ones they have now.
I love the Almost Home Foundation and for all they stand for and do. I first heard about them from my realtor. Kudos to you for being a member and for recognizing them here.
I can believe it. This is what gives rescues a bad name – some egotistical narcissist thinks they can make themselves a name by saving animals, and it ends up badly for the animals. I noticed that type at Arlington more than at other venues. You can think you know a group, but unless you see them in action as you did with this one, and they are transparent about their financials, you don’t know the group.
Sadly, this is often how hoarding and abuse cases start. People start taking in animals to help them, and get in over their heads. 🙁
well said – do it right or don’t do it. the rescue group I volunteer with has a dog that was so severly neglected that the pictures would make you cringe. their first step – get her medical attention. were pictures taken? sure – at the vet’s office. she is on their website and facebook page but she is in foster care and doesn’t go to events – until she is well enough. how sad that a group would see $$ over the care of an animal…..
That poor cat. I can’t believe they would bring an injured cat to an event like that. 🙁
I agree with your message – it’s important to do it right, to know what you can really handle, and to not overextend. Taking on too much or doing it poorly doesn’t really help anyone.
Oh that poor kitty, the last thing she needed was to be patted and handled and in a noisy, confusing place while she was injured. What a bad call on that group’s part.
That poor kitty! Did they realize that injured kitty could’ve snapped at someone and they could’ve ended up getting sued and LOSING funds. What the hell are people thinking? Great piece that certainly make us think.
You’ve included a lot to think about here. It’s why we really need to look out for each other and confront people (like your friend at the Pet Expo did) when we see things getting out of hand.
Humans are flawed and self-delusional. It’s easy for us to start off well-meaning and lose our way. Our own vigilance about who we support and government oversight are both important for making sure rescues and animal welfare organizations are really helping instead of harming animals.
I’ve heard the stories about Caboodle. I read about the rescue a while back and I remember feeling a little cautious.
Animal welfare is filled with strong personalities. I do believe everyone begins with the best intentions in the world. But the problems are numerous and daunting. It is very easy to get caught up in emotion and forget the practical. It’s why so many organizations are fractured and why the movement itself is cumbersome and disjointed. People who have been involved with rescue for a long time are understandably jaded but unfortunately this can also lead to them taking some viewpoints that are not in the animals’ best interests. It’s a very taxing climate to work in.
Thank you for talking about a very difficult subject. It’s hard to be the one to say something and I really appreciate the way you handled this.
Great post. Good intentions aren’t always enough…
We totally agree: do it right or do NOT do it at all!! Great article!!
(oh we forgot to add our post link to the BTC4A site! Glad we stopped by – we’ll go add it now!)
The rescue we foster for was just contacted about 3 chihuahuas from a hoarder. They’re looking for final refuge care, because none of these dogs will be adoptable or are likely to live very long. It is so sad to see.
I’m so glad your friend confronted the idiots at the rescue who brought an injured cat to the pet expo! The person at the rescue who decided to bring the cat to the expo instead of a vet should be charged with animal cruelty.
We have 4 cats, 2 dogs and a lizard and the house is full. Every now and then someone will ask if we want “just one more” and we have to say no and refer them to a shelter or rescue. It drives me crazy that people who can’t handle having one animal think that we should take one more! We both work full time and know our limit and our animals’ limits.
“When rescuers fail to deliver on their mission – it’s the animals that suffer.”
Well said! I’m so frustrated with aspiring rescuers with no plan, no policies, no resources, no contingency plans, and no education. Many of these people think that neglect and cruelty are acceptable because “it’s better than being in a kill shelter”.
Cruelty and neglect are NEVER acceptable, no matter how well intentioned!
The Caboodle Ranch case in particular frustrates and infuriates me. There are hundreds of people who still cling to the fantasy of cats at play among brightly painted houses, and defend Craig Grant and Caboodle Ranch. If they didn’t know the background of CR, I could understand it… but they resort to ridiculously twisted excuses to dismiss the disease, the death, the predation by coyotes, the random and inadequate vet care, and the neglect and cruelty.
Craig Grant was a hoarder, and like many hoarders, he had no perspective or clarity when it came to dealing with the subject of his obsession.
But how can supposedly rational animal lovers defend what went on at the Ranch? The evidence (posted in the Allegations and Document Library pages at http://www.caboodleranch.net ) is irrefutable — and there are stacks of documents to back it up. Bank records showing fraud. Pictures showing open wounds and untreated abscesses. Lab reports showing widespread disease. Court orders detailing the deplorable conditions. Veterinary reports showing improper hygiene and abominable standards of care. Tax filings from the Ranch itself showing that they spent a mere $26 per cat on vet care each year. (The national average is $516.) Eyewitness testimony from those who witnessed cruelty, such as Craig cleaning cats’ faces with toxic Clorox wipes.
I can’t express my anger at those who would put their support for Craig ahead of the welfare of those cats. Animals must be protected from cruelty, even when the abuser thinks he’s helping them.
What horrid acts of cruelty. That any animal would have to suffer at the hands of a “rescue” – especially one in search of funding by withholding proper care as blackmail – is despicable. Excellent post addressing the issues, Kim. Thanks for sharing.
Kim
BTC4animals.com
ThisOneWildLife.com
I don’t doubt that Grant and people like him like cats. Wow. 150 cats. But he definitely has a brain dysfunction and/or lack of common sense when it comes to actually taking real care of those cats. In his mind, he probably thinks he’s being sincere but you have to treat your sick, rescued animals before continuing on, collecting one animal after another. and I can see why the neighbors are complaining- on many different levels.
The story about the cat that was hit by a car and suffered a broken pelvis before taken to the expo was sickening. I wouldn’t be petting that cat like some were doing. I would call the authorities or kidnap the cat, ouright, and take it to a vet to be treated for it’s injuries.
Btw, I like the 1st pic of the kittens. Cute. Once again, Kim, informative post. Job well done. Let’s hope more folks become aware of these cruel situations.