RedRover provides critical temporary sheltering support for animal rescue mission
February 21, 2012 – RedRover, a California-based nonprofit organization, has deployed volunteers to operate a temporary shelter in Eastland County, Texas where over 110 animals were seized from a local breeding operation. In a two-pronged effort coordinated by the Eastland Police Department and the Eastland County Sherriff’s Office, 100 dogs, 8 rats and 2 turtles were seized from deplorable conditions on private property within the city limits of Eastland and later in the day, at a rural site in Eastland County.
Distinguished by their red shirts, RedRover Responders volunteers are specially trained to care for and shelter large numbers of animals after they have been rescued from cruelty and neglect. RedRover Responder volunteers provide manpower, free of charge, which enables local animal control and law enforcement agencies to respond to large-scale animal cruelty cases.
Ten RedRover Responders volunteers have already traveled from all over Texas to care for the rescued animals at the temporary shelter. Eleven more volunteers will arrive later this week. RedRover has more than 3,000 active volunteers in the United States and Canada, including 243 in Texas, and provides its services free of charge of the community.
“RedRover’s volunteers travel at their own expense at a moment’s notice when animals in crisis need their help,” said Beth Gammie, RedRover Emergency Services Manager, who came to Texas from Sacramento, California to manage the shelter. “They are trained to give neglected and abused animals loving human contact, often for the first time in their lives.”
RedRover was asked to send volunteers to the temporary shelter by the City of Eastland. The Humane Society of North Texas is assisting with the handling, transportation and placement of the animals. The rescue was set in motion after Eastland officials received tips about allegedly cruel conditions and neglected animals in need of veterinary care.
All of the animals were safely removed and transported to an emergency shelter, where they will be examined by a team of veterinarians and receive any necessary immediate medical care.
In 2011, RedRover Responders provided temporary shelter, comfort and affection for more than 4,300 animals displaced by natural disasters or rescued from abusive and neglectful situations. The organization is celebrating its 25th anniversary of helping animals this year.
To support RedRover’s work to bring animals from crisis to care, visit their website at www.redrover.org/donate.
MEDIA CONTACT: LEILI KHALESSI, 916.429.2457 or lkhalessi@redrover.org
Founded in 1987, RedRover focuses on bringing animals out of crisis and strengthening the bond between people and animals through a variety of programs, including emergency sheltering, disaster relief services, financial assistance and humane education. Learn more at www.redrover.org.
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