A “curious cat” that British firefighters had to rescue after it became stuck between two walls is now rising to internet fame for its reaction. Rather than looking relieved to be out of its precarious situation, the cat was photographed looking anything but.
Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service posted about the ordeal on Facebook, saying the calico feline was stuck “between a wall and a hard place.”
A “curious cat” had to be rescued in Lancashire, England, after getting stuck between two walls – but it looked anything but relieved once free.
Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service/Facebook
“Our crews from Preston safely rescued this curious cat from their tight squeeze earlier this week. They found themselves stuck between two walls and our firefighters carefully chiselled them out safe and sound,” the service wrote on Facebook.
They posted the information along with a photo of one of the animal rescuers cuddling the cat to his chest. But hundreds of commentators were quick to notice that “curious cat looks fuming.”
“He was the reigning hide’n’seek champion until you guys turned up,” one person quipped in the comments. “Now Fred from 2 alleys down in the newly crowned victor.”
“If gratitude had a face it wouldn’t be this kitty cat,” another person said, with yet another person adding, “The level of grump on this lil fluffy mcmurder mittens face is epic.”
Responders didn’t clarify how the cat ended up in such a tight spot or where it may have ended up afterwards, but one thing is for sure, they said: “Cats always keep us on our toes.”
A Calvert County, Maryland, Animal Control officer swooped in to save a bald eagle after a collision Saturday.
A bald eagle became trapped in the grill of a car after a collision in Calvert County on Saturday.
(Courtesy Calvert County Government via Facebook)
Courtesy Calvert County Government via Facebook
The bald eagle was safely removed and returned to the wild after an examination.
(Courtesy Calvert County Government via Facebook)
Courtesy Calvert County Government via Facebook
A Calvert County, Maryland, Animal Control officer swooped in to save a bald eagle after a collision Saturday.
A driver alerted Animal Control early Saturday that they collided with an eagle on Route 4, and that the bird was still alive and trapped in their car’s grill, according to a Facebook post from the county.
With help from the sheriff’s office, the animal control officer safely removed the eagle. An examination determined the bird was in good health and officials quickly released it back into the wild.
Bald eagles are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. Both laws prohibit killing, selling or otherwise harming eagles, their nests or eggs, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The bald eagle was listed under the Endangered Species Preservation Act in 1967, but was removed from the list of threatened and endangered species 40 years later.
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At Nevins Farm in Methuen, Massachusetts, a bunch of new guests are looking for their forever homes.
The MSPCA farm took in more than 100 animals removed from a farm last month. A short time later, in a separate matter, nearly 100 more farm bird and 49 goats seized as part of a police investigation.
The farm is now hosting chickens, geese, turkeys, a pig and other animals in need.
“We are kind of bursting at the seams, doing our best,” said Kaycie McCarthy, an MSPCA equine and farm animal rescue and outreach manager. “In the first few days, kind of getting them settled, getting the testing done, it kind of is a huge labor, labor of love, I guess.”
All these animals are also opportunities for those looking for that special farm animal to add to the family.
The MSPCA put out the word on social media, and the post has gone viral. People are stopping by Nevins Farm to adopt chickens.
The roosters though, are proving to be a tougher sell.
MSPCA staff also caution that farm animals are not for everyone, and those interested in adopting should check with the city or town where they live to see what rules are in place.
“It is really great to know when we are taking in these large cases that the community is going to come and support what we are doing by adopting so that is a huge relief when we know we are taking in a really big amount of animals,” McCarthy said.
A young puppy that was recently found along an on-ramp heading toward Interstate 93 in Boston, Massachusetts, did not take long to find a new place to call home.Mike DeFina, media relations manager for the Animal Rescue League of Boston, said Sunday that the 10-week-old Chihuahua named Sparkle was first spotted about a week and a half ago.DeFina said a person who lives at the Pine Street Inn saw Sparkle wandering the Neponset Circle area for a couple of days before they spotted the dog wandering up an on-ramp for the part of I-93. The road is known as the Southeast Expressway.Given that Sparkle weighs just 3 pounds and is an all-black dog, it would have been very hard for drivers to spot her on the highway. The good Samaritan was able to scoop her up and brought her back to the Pine Street Inn, where the staff then took her to the ARL’s Boston Animal Care and Adoption Center.”With Sparkle, I think it’s always a wonderful thing to see people stopping what they’re doing and have the consideration and the compassion when they see an animal in need to take action and do something about it,” DeFina said. “That’s why Sparkle is here today. I think if she would have found her way onto the Expressway, the outcome for her probably would not have been good. So we really, really want to thank both the resident of Pine Street Inn and their staff for taking her off the street and bringing her to us.”DeFina said the ARL does not know exactly how Sparkle ended up near the highway or how long she had been living on the streets, but they believe she was likely abandoned.Sparkle was a bit frightened when she was brought to the ARL facility, had a bit of an abnormal gait, and was on a seven-day stray weight, but she was determined to be in good overall health for her age, according to DeFina.DeFina said the ARL then contacted Boston Animal Control and other outlets that deal with lost animals, but no one stepped up to claim Sparkle as their dog. After doing the due diligence, the ARL put Sparkle up for adoption on Sunday — and that’s where Joe and Tesla Chafins come in.Joe Chafins works for the Pine Street Inn, which is a nonprofit organization that provides services for people experiencing homelessness. One of Joe’s co-workers and friends had told him and his wife about how Sparkle was found by one of the center’s residents and that the dog would need a new home.”My birthday was Friday and we were just kind of celebrating my birthday and she started telling my wife and I the story, showing us some photos she had of her,” Chafins said. “We just heard the story and we’re like: ‘We’ve got to go meet her.’ So we’ve been trying to call since and they said she was here today, so we’re here to meet her and take her home.”The couple already has three cats, including one that they adopted from the ARL of Boston seven years ago, as well as a few lizards.”Our friends kind of make fun of us because we are huge animal lovers,” Tesla Chafins said.”We have a little bit of everything. We’ve got a zoo at home,” Joe Chafins said. “This will be our first dog, though, but we’re excited to take her and to give her the best life that we can possibly give her.”So thanks to the Pine Street Inn, ARL of Boston and Chafins family, Sparkle now has a new forever home. Meet Sparkle and her family in the video player above.
BOSTON —
A young puppy that was recently found along an on-ramp heading toward Interstate 93 in Boston, Massachusetts, did not take long to find a new place to call home.
Mike DeFina, media relations manager for the Animal Rescue League of Boston, said Sunday that the 10-week-old Chihuahua named Sparkle was first spotted about a week and a half ago.
DeFina said a person who lives at the Pine Street Inn saw Sparkle wandering the Neponset Circle area for a couple of days before they spotted the dog wandering up an on-ramp for the part of I-93. The road is known as the Southeast Expressway.
Given that Sparkle weighs just 3 pounds and is an all-black dog, it would have been very hard for drivers to spot her on the highway. The good Samaritan was able to scoop her up and brought her back to the Pine Street Inn, where the staff then took her to the ARL’s Boston Animal Care and Adoption Center.
“With Sparkle, I think it’s always a wonderful thing to see people stopping what they’re doing and have the consideration and the compassion when they see an animal in need to take action and do something about it,” DeFina said. “That’s why Sparkle is here today. I think if she would have found her way onto the Expressway, the outcome for her probably would not have been good. So we really, really want to thank both the resident of Pine Street Inn and their staff for taking her off the street and bringing her to us.”
DeFina said the ARL does not know exactly how Sparkle ended up near the highway or how long she had been living on the streets, but they believe she was likely abandoned.
Sparkle was a bit frightened when she was brought to the ARL facility, had a bit of an abnormal gait, and was on a seven-day stray weight, but she was determined to be in good overall health for her age, according to DeFina.
DeFina said the ARL then contacted Boston Animal Control and other outlets that deal with lost animals, but no one stepped up to claim Sparkle as their dog. After doing the due diligence, the ARL put Sparkle up for adoption on Sunday — and that’s where Joe and Tesla Chafins come in.
Joe Chafins works for the Pine Street Inn, which is a nonprofit organization that provides services for people experiencing homelessness. One of Joe’s co-workers and friends had told him and his wife about how Sparkle was found by one of the center’s residents and that the dog would need a new home.
“My birthday was Friday and we were just kind of celebrating my birthday and she started telling my wife and I the story, showing us some photos she had of her,” Chafins said. “We just heard the story and we’re like: ‘We’ve got to go meet her.’ So we’ve been trying to call since and they said she was here today, so we’re here to meet her and take her home.”
Hearst Owned
Tesla and Joe Chafins, of Brighton, Massachusetts, adopted Sparkle, a 10-week-old Chihuahua, on Feb. 25, 2024, the same day the Animal Rescue League of Boston had put her up for adoption.
The couple already has three cats, including one that they adopted from the ARL of Boston seven years ago, as well as a few lizards.
“Our friends kind of make fun of us because we are huge animal lovers,” Tesla Chafins said.
“We have a little bit of everything. We’ve got a zoo at home,” Joe Chafins said. “This will be our first dog, though, but we’re excited to take her and to give her the best life that we can possibly give her.”
First, a look inside Aliceville: A women’s federal prison. Then, a report on how some
countries are accused of abusing the Interpol red notice system. And, how animals were
rescued at a troubled Puerto Rico zoo.
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Puerto Rico’s lone zoo was closed after years of complaints about conditions. Colorado-based animal sanctuary founder Pat Craig spent months rescuing the animals.
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And, lo, before the flood, the Lord said to Noah, “make yourself an ark… bring out every kind of living creature.” That was the Old Testament. But what happens today when disaster threatens animals? A powerful force—a zoo, a foreign government, even the U.S. Department of Justice—often calls from on high and enlists the services of one man: Pat Craig, founder of The Wild Animal Sanctuary in Colorado… who’s emerged as the go-to guy for orchestrating high-stakes rescues around the world. Last spring, we accompanied this modern-day Noah to a zoo in Puerto Rico, for his most ambitious mission yet.
These lions were once—literally—the pride of Puerto Rico. Housed at the Dr. Juan A. Rivero Zoo in the coastal town of Mayaguez, the only zoo on the island. But after years of decline, mismanagement and neglect… this was the tableau that greeted Pat Craig and his wife Monica when they arrived here from Colorado.
Jon Wertheim: What was your impression when you got to the zoo for the first time?
Monica Craig: The animals were very, very sad-looking and, some of them were very, very sick. I felt physically and emotionally overwhelmed.
Pat Craig: And even while we were there, animals died almost on a weekly basis.
Monica Craig: Correct.
Pat Craig: So that felt even worse, because we’re present, and yet we were there too late.
Pat and Monica Craig
60 Minutes
Over the course of a decade, the U.S. Department of Agriculture cited the zoo two dozen times for substandard conditions and animal mistreatment.
After hurricanes Irma and Maria ravaged the island, the zoo closed to the public in 2018. For the more than 300 winged…scaled…and four-legged residents still captive, the situation turned from bad, to downright desperate.
Monica Craig: We saw a zebra that had a horrible wound on her leg and her tail and she couldn’t stand up. We saw a pig that had a skin condition, her skin was just falling apart.
A mountain lion’s untreated cancer had been allowed to spread all over its body.
Monica Craig: Seeing the mountain lion suffering the way that he was, that broke my heart. And not being able to– sorry (crying).
Pat Craig: Yeah, help him. Yeah. It was just so evident that this facility was way beyond repair.
The U.S. Department of Justice—which enforces federal animal welfare laws in the states and Puerto Rico—agreed… and in February, staged an extraordinary intervention, sending a battalion of agents to the zoo…to evacuate every single species to permanent homes on the mainland.
To lead this mission—to captain this ark, as it were—the DOJ tapped Wild Animal Sanctuary founder Pat Craig.
We were there in April to witness the operation: equal parts military-style logistics and battlefield extraction. Among the targets: seven lions sweltering in a concrete bunker.
Wild Animal Sanctuary founder Pat Craig
60 Minutes
Pat Craig: And they never hooked up the power after the hurricane. They never hooked up the power to the zoo.
Monica Craig: Never.
Jon Wertheim: Wait, wait, wait, there’s a zoo that’s functioning with animals therE, and there’s no power?
Monica Craig: No electricity.
Pat Craig: No power. And then if you look at the pictures from the inside of their building, you know, it’s old steel bars just like jail cells, all in a row.
When it came time to coax the cats out of their cages, Craig entered the lion’s den.
Jon Wertheim: I gather the lions weren’t necessarily happy to see you and go with you. What happened?
Pat Craig: They’re definitely defensive, because they don’t know who we are, and what we’re doing and why. And so, we show up and we’re like, “Believe me, you’ve got to trust me, we’re trying to help you here.”
The sweet-talking didn’t work, so they deployed plan b: sedation… hard to watch, but accepted practice when rescuing uncooperative carnivores.
Over the course of five months, Craig and his team of 20 used patience…prodding… pursuit… and…grape jelly… to lure each animal into its custom-built crate. A camel… a kangaroo… a rhinoceros…. these stubborn hippos.
Monica Craig, a native Spanish speaker, had hoped to coordinate with the local staff… but the team from Colorado mostly had to go it alone… she says, the zookeepers in Puerto Rico often refused to help.
Monica Craig: We tried many, many days to communicate with them and trying to tell them, “Hey, we’re not bad people, were just trying to do what we’re supposed to be doing for these animals and give them a better home.”
Monica Craig and her husband, Pat Craig, removed animals from a Puerto Rico zoo after it was shuttered.
60 Minutes
Jon Wertheim: What was their response to that?
Monica Craig: They were upset. They were like, “No, I don’t think– I don’t think that’s right. The animals belong here.”
It was a sentiment shared by many in the community, and at times resistance curdled into outright sabotage.
The rescue team had nearly wrangled Mundi, once a star attraction, into her transport crate, when suddenly…
Pat Craig: Out of nowhere, this elephant– just flies up, tears out of there, starts runnin’ around.
Jon Wertheim: What do you think happened?
Pat Craig: Well, I think somebody shot her with a BB gun, if you ask me.
Jon Wertheim: And hit her in the rear end?
Pat Craig: Hit her in the rear end, just to make her hate that crate.
Monica Craig: Yeah.
Pat Craig: Now she thinks that crate did something to her.
We reached out to Puerto Rico’s Department of Natural and Environmental Resources, which is responsible for the zoo. In a statement, it said the animals were provided with comprehensive care, and denied there was any neglect… blaming problems at the zoo on hurricane damage, limited resources and aging animals.
Once the transport was finally ready: a police escort to the airport. Then the animals were loaded, one by one, onto charter flights bound for new homes Craig had arranged at sanctuaries across the U.S.
Mundi the elephant
60 Minutes
How do you ferry to safety an 8,000-pound elephant like Mundi? On a 747 cargo jet of course.
Departure brought a sigh of relief.
Monica Craig: When she took off, I cried because I said, “Thank you God, she’s in, it’s over, and she’s out of here. There’s no question about it anymore.”
Pat and Monica Craig took as many of the rescues as they could back to their 1,200-acre facility. A vast menagerie roams the grassy enclosures on the high planes of eastern Colorado.
Each of the 700-plus animals here came with a sad backstory… wagging their own tales of woe, as it were. Tigers kept in garages as pets. Lions saved from a zoo in war-torn Ukraine. Bears abused at a Korean medical facility.
Now 64, Craig got the idea for the place as a teenager in the 1970s, when a friend who worked at a zoo gave him a tour behind the scenes.
Pat Craig: There were all these animals, lions, and tigers that were in small cages. And he said, “These will be euthanized.” And I thought, “Wow, this is crazy, you know? These are healthy and not– they’re not old. They’re not sick.”
Craig decided right then and there to open his own sanctuary on his parents’ small Colorado farm. With few regulations to guide him, he built the animal enclosures himself and scoured biology books for pointers.
Jon Wertheim: Did you have any experience with lions and tigers?
Pat Craig: No, no, none.
Jon Wertheim: You have a degree in zoology?
Pat Craig: No. I was just starting college back then. It was going to be a business degree. (laugh)
And he quickly learned that lions and tigers are no house cats.
Pat Craig: In the early years, I was in the hospital more times than you could count. It was like, “OK, don’t do that again.” And, you know, so all those years of making mistakes and not getting killed.
Jon Wertheim: What specifically does a mistake look like?
Pat Craig: Uh, pretty bad. I’ve had my left arm almost completely torn off. I’ve had– bit through the chest and collapsed lungs.
Jon Wertheim and Pat Craig
60 Minutes
The animals, Craig can handle. But on his missions to hostile environments around the world, it’s the people he often needs extra help managing.
Heavily-armed federal marshals accompanied Craig when the Department of Justice dispatched him to retrieve maltreated big cats that had been kept by the notorious Tiger King Joe Exotic—the unlikely Netflix sensation—and his associates. These two are among the 141 animals Craig liberated and brought back here.
Jon Wertheim: What kind of conditions was Joe Exotic keeping these guys in in Oklahoma?
Pat Craig: Well, you know, it was just all these really small cages that were just lion after lion because it was a gigantic breeding operation primarily.
The rescue missions and the sanctuary operate on an annual budget of $34 million, funding comes mostly from private donations.
When animals arrive here, this is oftentheir first stop… designed to minimize shock by mimicking the conditions they came from. Here, they’re evaluated and given a treatment plan. Whether it’s medication or emergency surgery. Craig and staff veterinarian, Dr. Mikaela Vetters introduced us to Chad and Malawi… both rescued from Puerto Rico.
Jon Wertheim: How confident do we feel about our locks here?
Dr. Mikaela Vetters: Confident.
Jon Wertheim: This guy wants to get out.
Pat Craig: She says, “Yeah.”
Jon Wertheim: This guy’s ready to hang out with us.
They suffer from permanent neurological damage, likely caused by malnutrition, something Craig could spot just by looking.
Pat Craig: You see how she keeps doing that? She just doesn’t have control over it.
Jon Wertheim: Head tilting at an angle.
Pat Craig: Yeah, we’ve had literally hundreds of lions that have come through that have had that kind of problem.
Jon Wertheim: You’ve seen this before?
Pat Craig: Oh yeah.
The sanctuary devises a special diet for each animal… which requires 100,000 pounds of food per week— mainly donated by nearby Walmarts… occasional cupcakes included.
When we met him, Mikey the bear, another asylum-seeker from Puerto Rico, was midway through his rehab.
Dr. Mikaela Vetters: Right now he’s in his lock-out just so we can medically manage him.
Jon Wertheim: What did you see the first time you saw him?
Dr. Mikaela Vetters: He was in a great deal of pain very gingerly moving. We assume he’s got, you know, a great deal of arthritis which we’ve provided medications for and now he’s getting around like– almost like a young bear.
Nursing animals like Mikey back to physical health is one thing. Ministering to their emotional wounds is often a bigger challenge. Having been raised in captivity, many of the animals arrive with what amounts to severe PTSD, and they must be taught to trust the humans caring for them.
Pat Craig: They’re already mad at people anyway because of whatever people had done. I had one tiger years ago that any time you came near he’d want to hit the fence and kill you.
Jon Wertheim: What’s the timetable for trying to ease some of the trauma these animals have been through?
Pat Craig: You know, some were beaten, some were starved, some were mentally tormented, to a degree, you know. And so every case is different. So some of them will do it in a matter of days, some will be a few weeks.
Jon Wertheim: Doesn’t that story imply however traumatic this may have been, it’s not irreversible.
Pat Craig: It’s not irreversible.
The goal of all this rehab is to get these wild animals to act the part.
Remember Mundi? At the zoo she had zero contact with other elephants for more than30 years. We accompanied Craig on a visit to a refuge in Georgia, where he placed Mundi under the care of conservationist Carol Buckley. This marked the first time Craig and the elephant had seen each other since Puerto Rico.
Jon Wertheim: What do you notice?
Pat Craig: Well, first thing she just looks so much healthier. And just her demeanor is so much calmer and nicer. Every day when I would go see her in the zoo, I just, God, I would just hurt. And then now to see this is just amazing. Just truly amazing.
Buckley provides the care and feeding, but happily admits Mundi’s real mentors are the other elephants here.
Jon Wertheim: You’re just the innkeeper.
Carol Buckley: That’s right. Hey, I just open and close doors and make sure the waters are running, you know? And, the other elephant knows what they need to learn. And they’re instructing them. It’s fantastic. It is exactly the same as what happens in the wild.
That’s the same principle Craig employs at his sanctuary, and after two months of rehab, the lions from Puerto Rico were ready to enter their permanent habitat.
A lion being released into its permanent habitat
60 Minutes
We were on hand for the release. No one quite knew what to expect. Not least, the lions.
The first was reticent. But one by one….they started to venture out… enclosed for their safety, and ours… but otherwise, in a vast ocean of green.
Jon Wertheim: These guys have been in captivity their whole lives. This is a first.
Pat Craig: Yeah, this’ll be the first time ever that they’ve been able to either run, or live in a big space like this, even have deep grass.
Jon Wertheim: Makes you feel good?
Pat Craig: Yeah, absolutely. This is why we do this.
There were a few scuffles…but for Pat Craig, that’s exactly what he’d hoped for: lions acting like, well, lions. The animals come to this sanctuary from all over the world. But in this unlikely setting—here, silhouetted by the Rockies in eastern Colorado—they find more than just sanctuary… they, finally, find a home.
Produced by David M. Levine. Associate producer, Elizabeth Germino. Edited by Joe Schanzer.
Several camels and zebras were rescued from a trailer fire in Indiana’s Marion County early Saturday morning, police said.
The animals were being transported by a trailer that caught fire on Interstate 69. According to CBS affiliate WTTV, the fire started around 2 a.m. local time.
It’s not clear how the fire started, but the Grant County Sheriff’s Office told CBS News that the animals survived and were not injured. Police did not share any information about the driver of the trailer.
Rescued zebras in Indiana.
Grant County Sheriff’s Office
“Not only did our first responders rescue them swiftly, but they also went above and beyond to keep the animals calm. True compassion in action!” the sheriff’s office told CBS News. Officials also recounted the incident on Facebook.
Photos shared by the sheriff’s office show officials with the animals. In one image, an officer appears to be posing with some of the camels rescued.
Police stand with camels rescued from a trailer fire.
Grant County Sheriff’s Office
In one video, the camels can be seen walking along the highway in the dark. Zebras could be seen grazing on the grass along the interstate.
Another photo shows first responders working to extinguish the blazing trailer.
Officials work to extinguish a blazing trailer in Indiana.
Grant County Sheriff’s Office
Police did not say how many animals were rescued.
It’s not clear where the trailer was traveling to, and police did not say where the animals were taken after the rescue and fire.
The interstate was briefly closed to allow for the rescue but has now reopened, the Grant County Sheriff’s Office said.
Kerry Breen is a reporter and news editor at CBSNews.com. A graduate of New York University’s Arthur L. Carter School of Journalism, she previously worked at NBC News’ TODAY Digital. She covers current events, breaking news and issues including substance use.
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Two Pennsylvania parents have been charged after police and humane officers found their teen son living in an uninhabitable home with nearly 80 animals.
James and Kathleen Chaney were charged Friday with endangering the welfare of a child and several counts of animal cruelty after officers were called to a Westmoreland County home in August.
Their 14-year-old son was living in conditions police described as “deplorable,” according to a criminal complaint obtained by HuffPost. Animal rescue workers took 46 dogs, 23 cats, five guinea pigs, a dove, a ferret and a chinchilla from the home.
Photographs of the Chaneys’ home taken by a volunteer for an animal rescue group.
Jenn Johnson, Ninth Life Rescue Center
According to the complaint, Cassie Wilson, a volunteerhumane officer with the nonprofit rescue group All but Furgotten, observed several animals, some missing fur, outside the Chaneys’ home living in filth.
Wilson reported that as she got closer and could see into the home, she discovered that the interior was coated in urine, feces and fly traps that were full of dead flies. The Chaneys’ 14-year-old son, identified as “LC,” was also at the home.
Wilson told HuffPost that “everybody going in there was just in complete shock.”
A police officerand child service caseworker who were greeted by LC described the teen as “nervous,” having “disheveled” hair and clothes, and smelling of urine and feces.
Areas of the Chaneys’ home were photographed as animal welfare workers searched the property.
Jenn Johnson, Ninth Life Rescue Center
Kathleen Chaney allegedly told police and humane officers that LC was her son and that he lived inside the home. She said she and her husband, James Chaney, cared for the animals on the property, according to the complaint.
Kathleen Chaney was at work when police called to say they were serving the search warrant, but she refused to come home, according to CBS News. Court documents indicate James Chaney lived in another town.
The boy was removed from the home, Wilson told HuffPost, and the animal rescue operation began, which took hours. There were more animals around “every corner,” she said, and “once the house was clear, we went outside and found more animals.”
In the complaint, police described each room of the home as being covered in cobwebs, mold and waste, adding that the smell of urine was so bad that one officer had to leave several times and return.
Pets rescued from the home were documented by Ninth Life Rescue Center in Pennsylvania, which assisted with adoptions.
Jenn Johnson, Ninth Life Rescue Center
According to police, the home had no running water or food for the 14-year-old to “safely” eat.
Jenn Johnson, president of Ninth Life Rescue Center, who assisted in the rescue of the animals,said volunteers and officers found multiple dead animals inside the home.
Police noted in the criminal complaint that they found a “rotting carcass” of a long-dead dog.
“There were feces and urine covering the house,” Johnson told HuffPost. “Animals in cages locked in bedrooms. There was a deceased dog laying in the bathroom, chickens that were dead in a pen outside ― it was a rough day.”
The surviving dogs and cats were suffering from serious medical conditions, and many did not have access to water or food.
One of the dogs had a needle stuck in its belly and another dog was suffering from a ruptured uterus, according to the complaint.
Two of the rescued cats that were adopted from Ninth Life Rescue Center.
Jenn Johnson, Ninth Life Rescue Center
The 14-year-old boywas taken into a temporary living situation immediately following the rescue, and themajority of the surviving animals have been medically treated and adopted, Johnson told HuffPost. However, she added that some animals are still undergoing surgeries and need “ongoing support.”
No attorney was listed for the two parents, and county inmate records did not show them as having been booked or taken into custody as of Wednesday. Penn Township police did not immediately respond to HuffPost’s request for information.
Both Johnson and Wilson told HuffPost that large-scale animal rescue cases have become more common in recent years, making it increasingly difficult for nonprofits like theirs to provide immediate medical care. The rescuers said their organizations are still financially recovering from the rescue months later.
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For some people, animals are family members, things of beauty and even preferable to humans. But to others, they are a nuisance or not thought of at all.
Animal cruelty and neglect are a concerning, regular occurrence throughout the world, and not all are as lucky as Kiri the cat. She was rescued by Sandra Mouawad, who runs the Paws Crossed rescue center in Lebanon.
“Kiri used to live in Bekaa in Lebanon, where she and some other cats would get fed and cared for by the neighbors,” Mouawad told Newsweek. “As I was told, some of the neighbors didn’t care for cats, and one day one of the children was seen throwing stones at her and apparently laughing as if she was just a toy.”
Mouawad said Kiri’s back was broken in half.
In a video posted to the rescue center’s TikTok account, @pawscrossedle, with over 1.8 million views, Kiri, a fluffy ginger and white cat, can be seen dragging her immobile back legs across the ground. Mouawad shared pictures of Kiri’s broken back and said surgery will give her a 60 percent chance of walking again.
“A fellow rescuer asked me if I can help her find someone to help this cat because she is overwhelmed and can’t pay $1,500 for MRI and surgery,” Mouawad said. “I didn’t want to take a new case because the shelter is full, but I ended up taking her in.”
After CT scans, surgery, physiotherapy ultrasound, electrotherapy and “a lot of love,” Kiri is recovering well.
While she now dedicates her life to rescuing animals, Mouawad wasn’t always an animal person.
“I was never overly fond of animals at first,” she said, “but after we adopted our first family dog I began to truly understand the pure love they can bring to your heart, and I couldn’t witness so much hate towards them and do nothing.”
Animal welfare is arguably not high on many people’s list of priorities in Lebanon.
“Due to the combined impact of the economic crisis, the absence of the government, the Covid-19 pandemic and the explosion that happened in Beirut in August 2020, pet owners are struggling more and more to afford to keep their pets while rescue organizations in Lebanon are facing a steep increase of pets being abandoned,” writes Florence Massena in The New Arab.
Kiri, who suffered a broken back, was rescued by Sandra Mouawad in Lebanon. Sandra Mouawad
Similarly, in some countries dealing with economic and social unrest, animal welfare is considered a Western indulgence.
“There’s so much ignorance here,” said Mouawad. “People don’t think that cats and dogs have feelings, and there are very few consequences for the evil actions against them here. New laws are coming to in to protect them, but people don’t take it seriously. They hit and run, poison and abuse when they’ve had enough of them or ended up with a breed they can’t handle, it’s crazy.”
Users on TikTok were full of support for Mouawad and Kiri.
“Why can’t people teach their kids to be KIND to animals. They are the best things on this earth,” said one user.
Another said: “How awful I’m so sorry I’m gonna interact as many times as I can to help.”
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
The phrase “good things come to those who wait” seems to be true for one dog, who finally found her forever home after 1,030 days.
Nova the pit bull’s luck changed for the better last month, as the Fox 2 news station featured her story in a bid to find her a family. Fortunately, the news segment dedicated to the three-year-old dog captured the hearts of Helen and Ed Golas.
The couple from Saint Clair Shores, Michigan, adopted Nova on November 5 from Great Lakes Bully Brigade.
Helen, 67, told Newsweek: “It feels like she has been here her whole life!”
Ed and wife Helen Golas sitting on the sofa with their new bundle of joy. They first saw her on the news. Helen Golas
Nova has spent most of her life in a foster carer’s home and didn’t receive any interest from people who were put off by her disability.
The canine suffers from megaesophagus, a combination disorder whereby the esophagus (the tube that carries food and liquid between the mouth and stomach) gets bigger and loses its ability to move food into the stomach, according to VCA Animal Hospitals.
Jackie Smith, the shelter’s founding board member and director, looked after Nova for two years and nine months.
Nova responding to the “sit” command and eating from a high chair. She spent a long time in a rescue center. Helen Golas
Smith told Newsweek: “Nova’s case is well managed currently by eating soft oatmeal-like consistence food in a Bailey chair, which is a high chair. Due to the enlargement of her esophagus she needs to drink water from a raised bowl and should be walked on a harness. Due to her special medical needs Nova was overlooked by many adopters.”
However, Helen was unfazed by the condition and instantly wanted to know more about the canine. She recalls watching the news and falling in love with Nova.
Helen told Newsweek: “The moment I saw her sweet little face and heard what her special needs were, I had to show this to my husband. So we watched the story again and that is when I noticed he, as well as I, had tears in our eyes and wondered what was so hard about feeding her differently, she looked so normal and so full of life.
“I needed to see this special-needs dog who couldn’t find anyone to love her forever.”
Helen reached out to the shelter based in Allen Park, Michigan, and before she knew it, she was meeting Nova for the first time on October 29.
“They showed us how she had to eat out of a special Bailey chair, which they brought with them. Also, what food she would need to eat and how to prepare it – nothing too difficult to handle,” Helen said.
The following day, Nova was allowed to sleep over at the couple’s home and it became clear that she was there to stay.
“I am pretty sure we both agreed that night we would keep her. She hasn’t been in a crate since we got her, she’s been sleeping on the couch every night by herself, except the first night, my husband slept with her all night!”
After spending so much time with Nova, Smith admits saying goodbye wasn’t easy.
She told Newsweek: “I know all of us at Great Lakes Bully Brigade cried happy tears for Nova. It is always hard to say goodbye but the best is seeing the update photos and stories after they are adopted and being able to help another dog in need.”
Helen lounging on the sofa with her new furry friend. She has settled well into her new home. Helen Golas
On November 5, the shelter shared the exciting news on Facebook and users couldn’t be happier for the trio.
An excerpt from the post says: “We are so grateful that after all this time our sweet girl is in a home where she is loved and cared for, and even though she is a special needs dog, her family believes she is perfect and willing to give her the chance she always needed.”
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
More than three dozen Shiba Inus were rescued from a Missouri breeder in “one of the worst cases of animal neglect,” according to the Humane Society of Missouri (HSMO).
Acting on a request from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Department last week, HSMO’s Animal Cruelty Task Force, one of the nation’s largest animal rescue and disaster-response teams, conducted a rescue of 43 “starving” dogs from the property of a former commercial breeder in Douglas County, Missouri, HSMO said in a statement on October 19.
“The living animals were severely emaciated and suffering from various injuries and health conditions, and the remains of nine deceased dogs were also found on the property and recovered,” the humane society said.
The Humane Society of Missouri rescued 43 “starving” Shiba Inu dogs and found nine dead canines at a former commercial breeder’s property in the Ozarks. Humane Society of Missouri
The rescued dogs are all Shiba Inus of various ages and conditions and are receiving emergency veterinary treatment and health evaluations, HSMO said.
HSMO President Kathy Warnick referred to the case as “a horrific and heart-wrenching rescue.”
“The conditions at this property amount to one of the worst cases of animal neglect we’ve seen this year,” Warnick said in an online statement. “The caring citizen who tipped off the Douglas County Sheriff’s Department undoubtedly saved the lives of many of these innocent dogs and gave them a second chance at life.”
The rescue took place after a warrant was served by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Department to seize the dogs and place the canines in the temporary care of HSMO. A disposition hearing to determine legal custody will take place on November 9 at the Douglas County Court in Ava, Missouri, the humane society said. Details about the dog breeder were not available, and it was unclear at the time of publication whether the breeder or property owner where the dogs were found will face charges.
Newsweek reached out via email and Facebook on Sunday to the HSMO and Douglas County Sheriff’s Department for comment.
After receiving the tip about dogs living in horrific conditions from the “caring citizen,” who sent photos of “sick and extremely emaciated dogs,” HSMO worked quickly to round up and remove all the animals from the property.
At least one of the dogs photographed in the concerned citizen’s tip died by the time authorities arrived to rescue the Shiba Inus, according to the humane society.
Veterinarians from the Missouri Department of Agriculture joined the Animal Cruelty Task Force to assist with the rescue and examine the condition of the dogs prior to transporting them to HSMO headquarters for specialized medical care.
HSMO posted a video on Facebook showing some of the rescued Shiba Inus getting some much-needed cuddles.
“These 43 Shiba Inus are receiving the veterinary care and love that they deserve,” the shelter said in the post.
In another post, HSMO said the dogs still have a long road to recovery but are continuing to receive the love and care that they need.
“We’ll do everything in our power to ensure these sweet animals receive the care they need to fully recover and find loving forever homes,” Warnick said.
The dogs, which vary in price but can cost more than $3,000 for a purebred puppy, are also known to be inquisitive and playful, according to the AKC.
To care for the 43 Shiba Inus until they’re ready for adoption, HSMO is also asking the public for assistance through donations of blankets, newspapers, dog toys, dog beds, or “anything else that can make these animals’ recovery more comfortable.”
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Lifesaving Work of Local Orange County-Based The Little Red Dog, Inc. is in Danger
LAKE FOREST, Calif., October 3, 2023 (Newswire.com)
– The Little Red Dog Inc. (TLRD), a hope for thousands of dogs over the past 12 years, stands at a precarious crossroads. Steve McClain, the organization’s CFO and Alpha Dog, revealed, “Our rescue, known for its resilience and compassion, is now grappling with an unsustainable situation: a dramatic surge in homeless dogs, escalating vet care expenses, and a concerning drop in donations and adoptions.”
TLRD has worked hard to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome dogs. The organization’s commitment is evident in the over 5,000 animals saved and the community outreach initiatives it sponsors: from medical clinics to housing dogs for those displaced.
However, as PJ Rosch, founder, CEO and Top Dog, indicates, the landscape for animal rescues has shifted dramatically post-pandemic. “Shelters are overflowing. More dogs are being surrendered, and the unfortunate result is an increase in euthanizations. TLRD rescues 600 dogs each year, more than most rescues in California, crushing our resources. We have given our all. We didn’t want to admit we were in trouble, but we see other rescues closing and don’t want that to happen to us, so we decided to reach out for help.”
The key challenges include:
Vet care has increased 35%-50% since 2019; dogs with medical needs are a huge cost
A major drop in donations; they are the cornerstone of rescue operations
“In the last 24 months, there’s been a huge reduction,” Rosch emphasizes. “Unlike shelters, we receive no government support. We must raise every penny.”
This dire situation necessitates a collective response. McClain urges, “We’ve consistently stepped in, rescuing over 600+ dogs annually. But if we’re forced to shutter, who fills that void? We’re stretched to our limit.”
TLRD is seeking assistance. Monetary donations are crucial. You can help by donating online with this link HERE, and the organization has an Amazon Wish List for those who wish to contribute essential items here. With California’s disheartening rank of second in the nation for euthanasia, TLRD also stresses the need for adoption. Rosch notes, “Like other rescues, our adoption rates have dipped since 2019, but the need has only grown.” Additionally, TLRD, seeking foster homes for over 50 dogs currently in boarding, is encouraging the community to foster if they are serious about making an impact.
TLRD believes that corporate responsibility can play a significant role in its mission. Partnerships with businesses can lead to transformative change. McClain adds, “Businesses can lead by example, championing our cause. Our loyal community has and will support companies that stand with TLRD.”
Concluding, Rosch passionately states, “We’ve faced adversity before, but none like this. We implore both local and global communities to rally. Only together can we ensure that The Little Red Dog remains a hope for the most vulnerable animals. Without you, our mission from dog is at risk.”
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, pet adoptions surged. But now, many animal shelters are dealing with the opposite problem, as the number of people surrendering their pets has skyrocketed. One shelter in Colorado is taking a novel approach to deal with the problem. CBS Colorado’s Tori Mason takes a look.
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MIAMI — Lolita, the killer orca whale who has been in captivity for at least five decades, has died as officials were preparing to send her back to her home waters, the Miami Seaquarium said Friday in a social media post.
The attraction said Toki, who is also known by her Native American name of Tokitae, or “Toki,” had been showing “serious signs of discomfort” over the past two days before she died sometime Friday afternoon.
In a Facebook post, the Miami Seaquarium said she died from what was believed to be a renal condition.
Lolita The Killer Whale performs at The Miami Seaquarium (Lisa Cilli/CBS4)
“Toki was an inspiration to all who had the fortune to hear her story and especially to the Lummi nation that considered her family,” the Seaquarium post said. “Those of us who have had the honor and privilege to spend time with her will forever remember her beautiful spirit.”
Others also expressed their grief over the whale’s passing.
“Alongside the many Miamians who grew up visiting her, the generations of activists around the world that were inspired by her story, and the caretakers who remained dedicated to her until the end – today, we say our final goodbye to our beloved Toki,” Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said in a written statement. “Our collective wish was to see Toki in her native waters and we are heartbroken to learn of this sudden loss.”
Chopper 4 over the tank holding Lolita the killer whale after she died Aug. 18, 2023 at the Miami Seaquarium.
CBS News Miami
Lolita was believed to be at least 57 years old, making her the oldest killer whale living in captivity.
She was caught on Aug. 8, 1970, in Penn Cove, Puget Sound in Seattle, Washington when she was about 4 years old. She was later sold to the Miami Seaquarium. When she first arrived, she lived alongside another orca named Hugo for about 10 years, but he died in 1980.
For years, animal rights groups have wanted Lolita moved to “a protected cove sea pen,” where she could be transitioned to the ocean.
In late March, county officials announced a plan to release her from captivity during a news conference.
“The most important thing is Toki’s long-term wellbeing, and together, guided by the experts, we will continue to do what’s best for her,” Levine Cava said at the time. “This is such a special creature who is loved by so many people around the world. So many are concerned about her well-being after decades of being in a small tank. Here we are looking at the real possibility that she will spend the rest of her life in nature’s waters and live freely.”
Under the terms of the deal, the Seaquarium had approved a “binding agreement” with Friends of Lolita, a non-profit group co-founded by environmentalist Pritam Singh, to free the whale.
Edward Albor, chairman of The Dolphin Company, which manages the Miami attraction, said in a written statement at the time that officials hoped the relocation will occur in the next 18 to 24 months.
Over the last two days, Toki started exhibiting serious signs of discomfort, which her full Miami Seaquarium and Friends of Toki medical team began treating immediately and aggressively. Despite receiving the best possible medical care, she passed away Friday afternoon… pic.twitter.com/hx79OhGn2O
The deal to release the whale was underwritten by a “generous contribution” from Jim Irsay, owner and CEO of the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts, officials said.
A serval rescued from a tree in Cincinnati earlier this year tested positive for cocaine, an animal rescue group said Thursday.
Fresh off the theatrical release of “Cocaine Bear,” news of the serval’s drug test quickly led to the moniker “cocaine cat” trending on Twitter. The big cat’s name is Amiry.
A serval rescued from a tree in Cincinnati later tested positive for cocaine, an animal rescue group said.
Ray Anderson/Cincinnati Animal CARE
Hamilton County Dog Wardens responded to reports of a “leopard” in a tree on Jan. 28, Cincinnati Animal CARE’s Ray Anderson said. They retrieved Amiry and brought him to the organization’s facility.
The organization’s medical team looked over the big cat, who’d suffered a broken leg during the retrieval, Anderson said. They also performed a DNA test, which determined the cat was a serval, not a leopard, and that he had been exposed to cocaine.
“I cannot speak to how he was exposed to cocaine at this time,’ Anderson said.
Servals are illegal to own in Ohio, but charges are not currently being pressed against Amiry’s owner, Anderson said. The small to medium-size African wild cats top out at 40 pounds, according to the African Wildlife Foundation, and have yellowish coats with black spots.
The owner has cooperated with the investigation.
Amiry was brought to the Cincinnati Zoo after he received treatment from the CAC.
“We’re extremely proud of the work done in this case by the Dog Wardens and Medical Staff and are immensely appreciative to the Cincinnati Zoo for getting Amiry the care he needs,” the organization posted on Facebook. “We ask that our community please be respectful of the Zoo’s privacy at this time as they are working diligently to determine next steps.”
In recent months, animal rescuers captured a large cat roaming around the Long Island section of New York. A serval was also found in a Massachusetts neighborhood early in 2022.
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CLEVELAND, August 1, 2022 (Newswire.com)
– Rescue Village’s sponsors have contributed more than $65,000 in support of Woofstock, to be held on Sept. 11, 2022, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Cleveland Metroparks Polo Field.
Woofstock is a popular dog festival that features music, food, drinks, vendors, and contests for thousands of dogs and their people, all in support of Rescue Village’s lifesaving work. Woofstock also gives people a chance to help Rescue Village’s homeless animals by signing up for the Woofstock Ramble, a fundraising walk/dog parade, or purchasing the popular tie-dyed Woofstock T-shirt, designed every year by cartoonist Jenny Campbell.
AQUA DOC Lake & Pond Management is the 2022 Woofstock Presenting Sponsor. In addition to providing exceptional maintenance for lakes, ponds, fountains, and more, Chardon, Ohio, based AQUA DOC, is focused on connecting with their community and giving back wherever they can.
“We are thrilled that AQUA DOC is the 2022 Woofstock Presenting Sponsor,” said Kenneth Clarke, Rescue Village’s Executive Director. “AQUA DOC is an industry leader, and their support of Rescue Village means a great deal.”
“Top Dog” Woofstock sponsors include DogWatch Hidden Fences of Cleveland, Solon Manufacturing, and the Wenk Family Charitable Foundation. DogWatch provides premium hidden fence solutions for its customers. Solon Manufacturing is the manufacturer of Belleville springs and washers that are used worldwide. The Wenk Family Charitable Foundation provides support for children and animals to promote education and emotional needs for their benefit and growth.
“Best in Show” Woofstock sponsors include CG Accounting and Terra Blue Title Agency. Onyx Creative is a “True Companion” sponsor.
“We are also grateful that FOX 8 is our Broadcast Media Sponsor this year, as well as the support of WKKY 104.7 FM to help get the word out,” said Clarke.
Headlining the main stage is The Liverpool Lads, Northern Ohio’s favorite Beatles Tribute Band, who will capture the essence of Woofstock’s groovy vibe. Also on the main stage is Cleveland’s It’s Just Us! band.
Press Contact: Lisa Ishee: 440-338-4819; lishee@rescuevillage.org
Get the latest Woofstock event information by visiting www.woofstock.fun.
About Rescue Village
Founded in 1974, Rescue Village, also known as the Geauga County Humane Society, Inc., is an animal shelter for homeless cats, dogs, small creatures, and domesticated barn animals that includes a state-of-the-art veterinary clinic and a law enforcement unit dedicated to upholding Ohio’s animal anti-cruelty laws. Rescue Village operates out of a 19,000 sq. ft. facility and serves the Cleveland area’s eastern suburban and rural communities.
CLEVELAND, July 7, 2022 (Newswire.com)
– Rescue Village’s 29th annual Woofstock Dog Festival will take place on Sunday, Sept. 11, 2022, from 10-4 p.m. at the Cleveland Metroparks Polo Field, Chagrin Falls, Ohio.
Woofstock, a festival for animal lovers and their dogs, is a family-friendly day of music, food trucks, a beer garden, vendors, and games and contests for people and their dogs, all for a good cause. A Woofstock favorite is the Lure Courses, donated and operated by SwiftPaws (as seen on Shark Tank), and includes a dog photo package. Adoptable dogs, activities for kids, and much more make Woofstock a one-of-a-kind, iconic annual event. More than 3,500 people and 2,500 dogs attended 2021 Woofstock, helping raise $120,000 towards Rescue Village’s mission, and the humane society hopes to grow even more in 2022.
Only one dog can be the alpha of Woofstock’s 2,000 dog pack, and this year’s inaugural Woofstock Alpha Dog is a Rescue Village Alumni named Cole. Cole is a Boxer/Pitbull/Labrador mix who was adopted from Rescue Village in 2019 when he was 3 ½ years. Before his new family adopted Cole, he bounced around shelters because he feared other dogs and suffered much kennel stress.
Cole is now a cartoon celebrity thanks to Rescue Village’s cartoonist-in-residence Jenny Campbell. As befitting the alpha dog of northeast Ohio’s biggest dog festival, Cole has been drawn into the 2022 Woofstock logo. Other Cole cartoons will be used to promote the event and help represent the mission of Rescue Village.
In addition to a fun day spent outside with a canine best friend, Woofstock gives people a chance to help Rescue Village’s homeless animals get medical care and a loving family by participating in the Woofstock Ramble or by purchasing the popular annual Woofstock T-shirt.
The Ramble is a fundraising walk/parade that kicks off the festival at 10 a.m. Ramblers can fundraise as individuals or teams, with prizes going to the top fundraisers in several categories.
Founded in 1974, Rescue Village, also known as the Geauga County Humane Society, is an animal shelter for homeless cats, dogs, small creatures, and domesticated barn animals that includes a state-of-the-art veterinary clinic and a law enforcement unit dedicated to upholding Ohio’s animal anti-cruelty laws. Rescue Village operates out of a 19,000 sq. ft. facility and serves the Cleveland area’s eastern suburban and rural communities.
Press Contact: Lisa Ishee: 440-338-4819; lishee@rescuevillage.org
BRISBANE, Australia, October 15, 2018 (Newswire.com)
– The iconic Aussie Firefighters calendar is reaching out to the sexiest, fittest firemen from around the world to join them on the Gold Coast, Australia in April 2019 for the making of the very first “International Firefighters Calendar”.
Firefighters from around the world will be vying for only 11 spots. The winners will join the hottest Australian firefighters to make the world’s first International Firefighters Calendar.
“With the explosion of worldwide interest in the calendar, it only made sense for us to invite the hottest firefighters from around the globe here to the beautiful Gold Coast to be a part of the world’s very first ‘International Firefighters Calendar’”. – David Rogers – Director – Australian Firefighters Calendar.
With the inclusion of the international firefighters, funds from calendar sales will now also be donated back to animal charities located in those participating countries.
CLICK THE LINK BELOW FOR VIDEO AND PHOTOS FROM THE PHOTO SHOOT
This year, however, we must make mention of the newest addition to the Australian Firefighters Calendar collection… Cats!
The biggest surprise from last year was the viral sensation that came from one of their Facebook posts featuring the Australian firefighters with kittens. The response was so overwhelming they felt the need to expand the photo shoot this year to include a cat calendar for the 2019 season.
“The biggest interest in this calendar seems to be coming from Asia, Spain, Portugal, Mexico and South America.” – David Rogers – Director –Australian Firefighters Calendar
The 2019 Cat calendar will join the always popular Dog, Animal and Hot Firefighter calendars to help raise money for charities around Australia and overseas.
“We are very excited to start working with local Australian and international animal shelters. We felt it was important to use the calendar’s social media presence to shine a light on the incredible work they all do. Even a small donation to these organisations can make an enormous difference and we look forward to expanding our support to these charities.” – David Rogers – Director Australian Firefighters Calendar
Again this year the Australian Firefighters Calendar will be donating to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital. Several images in this year’s Australian Firefighters Animal calendar were taken at Steve Irwin’s Australia Zoo.
“We are so excited to be involved with the 2019 Australian Firefighters Calendar again. The funds they raise help to save and protect Australian native wildlife in South East Queensland. They truly are Wildlife Warriors and we’re so proud they are joining us again to help save our wildlife.” – Bindi Irwin
“Dad loved photography and so do I. It really connects people with wildlife in a way they might not have been able to before, so for the Australian Firefighters Calendar to feature some of our own animals, that’s pretty awesome.” – Robert Irwin
Since 1993 firefighters from Australia’s Urban, Rural, Aviation, Armed Forces and Corporate fire-fighting services have been coming together to create the world’s most iconic calendar.
After 17 rigorous days of photography, the final images are put together to create the iconic Australian Firefighters Calendar for fans across the globe.
The Australian Firefighters Calendar has donated over $2.8 million dollars to various charities around Australia with $1.7 million dollars of that being donated in the past 4 years alone.
The Australian Firefighters Calendar donates vital funds to the Children’s Hospital Foundation in Queensland, The Starlight Foundation in New South Wales, My Room Children’s Cancer Charity in Victoria, The Cancer Council in South Australia and The Salvation Army in ACT.
Nationally the calendar donates funds to Mates4Mates, Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors, Precious Paws Animal Rescue, Safe Haven Animal Rescue, Save a Horse, Healing Hooves and AMS Cat Haven.
In 2017 with a social media reach of 2.7 billion people around the globe, the calendar story, videos and images are seen in every language across the world. The iconic Australian Firefighters Calendar has become one of the world’s most loved calendars and now firefighters from around the world will make this a truly global phenomenon.
CLICK THE LINK BELOW FOR VIDEO AND PHOTOS FROM THE PHOTO SHOOT
