"This is an unfortunate situation where about 20 animals are becoming displaced due to the facility closure," said Katie Moore,
IFAW Animal Rescue Program Director. "We did not hesitate to step in
and find them lifetime care at qualified wildlife sanctuaries. Dangerous
animals like these require specialized care, diets and housing that the
average pet owner simply cannot provide."
IFAW
has been working closely with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and
the New York Department of Environmental Conservation to orchestrate the
rescue and coordinate the safe transport of the animals to reputable
sanctuaries including the Exotic Feline Rescue Center, Big Cat Rescue,
Safe Haven Rescue Zoo, In-Sync Exotics, The Wild Animal Sanctuary, and
the Wolf Sanctuary of PA. Additional transportation provided by Loving
Friends Transport and Animal Lifeline.
"The
time has come for people to wake up when it comes to exotic animal
ownership. We must enact laws that prevent the general public from
acquiring, collecting and often getting in over their heads with
dangerous wild animals," said Moore. "The Big Cats and Public Safety Protection Act, a proposed ban on the private ownership and breeding of big cat species and hybrids, is
an important step in preventing more animals from suffering in
sub-standard conditions and easing the pressure on quality sanctuaries."
When
owners are unable to care for their animals, the burden falls on true
sanctuaries to provide lifelong care for even more animals. Most
sanctuaries are already at or near capacity with unwanted, abandoned, or
abused captive wildlife and all assume significant financial
obligations to provide the necessary care to all animals at their
facility, which, for big cats, can cost up to $10,000 per feline annually.
IFAW's
wildlife rescue team works closely with bona fide facilities to
collaborate on rescues, to ensure animal care standards and to promote
sanctuary sustainability. To date, IFAW has been involved in the rescue
and relocation of more than 150 big cats in captivity as well as many
other wild animals including bears and wolves.
IFAW partners, The Animal Rescue Site and GreaterGood.org, are helping to secure funds to support IFAW's animal rescue work around the world.
About IFAWFounded
in 1969, IFAW rescues and protects animals around the world. With
projects in more than 40 countries, IFAW rescues individual animals,
works to prevent cruelty to animals, and advocates for the protection of
wildlife and habitats. For more information, visit www.ifaw.org. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Photos and video are available at www.ifawimages.com
RELATED LINKS
http://www.ifaw.org/united-states
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