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Teresa

SoWal Guide
Staff member
Nov 15, 2004
30,242
9,277
South Walton, FL
sowal.com
Alaqua Animal Refuge News

Late last week, Alaqua Animal Refuge responded to a plea for help from Washington County (FL) Animal Control and took in 85 neglected animals from a single property. There were many types of animals including dogs, puppies, cats, kittens, chickens, ducks, guinea pigs, and a horse.

When Alaqua’s team arrived at the property, they discovered that the animals were being kept in out-side pens with barrels and garbage cans as shelter. There was also a homemade electric wire that had been strung everywhere to keep the animals contained.

“There were tiny kittens all over the yard so we had to be careful walking around. You could barely walk without stepping on a kitten and some of them were passing away even as we were trying to pick them up,” said Gail Hasan, Alaqua’s shelter manager. “The dogs were also a sad sight and were very frightened. One of our staff members actually had to pry part of the siding off the house in order to rescue two of them that wouldn’t come out.”

Ironically, Alaqua rescued 67 animals in another hoarding case in Washington County almost one year ago to the date. This and other similar cases are examples of backyard breeders and puppy mills, who tend to choose profit over animal welfare.

Alaqua Founder Laurie Hood stated, “Unfortunately, these types of cases are becoming more common. Sadly, puppies and kittens from these types of situations are more than often sold online or through classified ads. The honest truth is these animals are coming from cruel and inhumane environments, where their parents have endured a horrible life. When we see animals living in these grim conditions, we have to help them. We have to act. There is not another choice. We are the choice. We can heal them and give them a second chance at a loving life.”

This recent case is part of an ongoing investigation where the owner did surrender the animals over to Alaqua. After they have been medically cleared they will all be up for adoption.

Circumstances like this put an incredible strain on the Refuge and its limited resources—especially when the number of animals is so large. Alaqua’s daily work of rescue and rehabilitation takes a village of loving staff members, veterinarians, volunteers and support from the community. Please consider making a donation to help care for these animals. You can click here here: 85 Animals Surrendered to Alaqua in Washington County Case

Any and all donations allow Alaqua to continue to provide these much needed services and is most appreciated. ❤️

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Teresa

SoWal Guide
Staff member
Nov 15, 2004
30,242
9,277
South Walton, FL
sowal.com
facebook_1562720957878.jpg

Alaqua Animal Refuge is a no-kill animal shelter and sanctuary, located in the panhandle of Florida. A member of the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries, Alaqua believes that every abused, neglected and homeless animal deserves a second chance. Committed to providing protection, shelter and care to animals in need, this private, non-profit Refuge also offers a full-service adoption center, educational outreach, and community programs that extend far beyond their geographic location. Since its inception in 2007, Alaqua has become a recognized leader in animal rescue, welfare, cruelty prevention, and advocacy. Alaqua is currently in the midst of a relocation and expansion capital campaign to build a one-of-a-kind facility—the first in the United States—on 100 donated acres. The new facility and sanctuary will allow Alaqua to continue all of the important work that is done now, as well as be an educational and training center to empower others to help animals and recreate the model worldwide. To learn more, visit www.Alaqua.org
 

mputnal

Beach Fanatic
Nov 10, 2009
2,289
1,799
I sure wish Alaqua would have taken the 5 kittens that lost their mother that my wife rescued and took to them. She was told that they had disease and they could not accept. All 5 kittens seemed to have to have been conditioned to people as they came out to us. It did look like they were not healthy but we sure hoped that Alaqua would nurse them back to health and find them good homes. We understand Alaqua's situation and will donate. Maybe the new facilities will help.
 
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