As an ethical rescue, we believe there should be a set of standards that are provided to the animals in our care. These standards are based on education, animal welfare, and animal rights. These standards are to be upheld to ensure we are properly providing for every animal.
These five freedoms were created by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). These are the minimum standards we believe each animal should be given when they are in our care. And we will go more in detail below on what practices are best and acceptable. Please also note that these standards we describe are our own practice and are general principles that may be adapted to meet the needs of the individual animal.
This means providing each animal with unlimited access to fresh water and a species appropriate diet. Water should be easily accessible where the animal is able to comfortably drink as needed. All bowls and bottles should be washed and sanitized regularly. An appropriate diet means providing the necessary nutrients and variety needed for each species.
This means providing an appropriate environment for the animal, including shelter and a comfortable resting area. This means a controlled environment, where temperature can be regulated to meet specific species needs. Each animal should be provided with an area to rest as well as allowed natural light and shade coverage.
This means that it is our responsibility to provide licensed veterinary care to each animal as needed. This means professional diagnosis and treatment as well as emergency medical care be provided at any hour. This also means the animals are not suffering from prolonged pain. The animal's quality of life is the number one priority.
This means providing each animal with sufficient space, proper facilities, and company of the animal’s own kind as species appropriate. This means allowing animals to do what is natural to them, such as digging, burrowing, keeping to their specific sleep schedules, etc. Please also note that any animal is capable to biting or lashing out as a response to fear.
This means ensuring the conditions and treatment of each animal is made to avoid mental suffering. This means the animals know they are being well-cared for and do not have to stress about where their next meal is coming from or if they will be able to get a good night's rest. This means they are able to relax and be their true selves.
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Our priority when it comes to rescuing animals is to take in animals that are being kept in less than ideal living situations. This often means taking in animals that are being abused, neglected, or have been abandoned. Many animals we seek to rescue are ones living in poor conditions, fed unsafe diets, have been denied medical care, or have been left outside to fend for themselves. Often times these animals are sound or advertised online, like on Facebook, Craigslist, OfferUp. These are the animals we aim to rescue and give a second chance to.
When space allow, we will take in surrenders. This could mean taking in animals that people are unable to care for any longer. Often times individuals choose to rescue an animal but then find that they aren’t prepared or committed to care for the animal so they reach out to us to take them in. Sometimes living situations change, not all animals may be allowed on a rental lease, or moving to another country may not be the best option for an animal so the owner is looking to rehome them through a rescue.
Once an animal is in our care, we will quarantine them for a minimum of 30 days. During this time, we are able to give the animal time to decompress and get adjusted to their new environment. It allows time for us to treat any medical concerns as needed as well as help the animal establish a routine and adjust to a proper diet. As the animal gets more comfortable in our care, we’re better able to evaluate their behavior and temperament. This helps us determine what kind of family and home environment would be best for the individual animal. Not all animals are adoptable and if that’s the case, then the animal would become part of our sanctuary where they will be loved and cared for for the rest of their lives.
After the animal’s 30 day quarantine, if the animal is deemed healthy and ready to transition to a new home, they will be made available for adoption. Some animals need longer than 30 days to recover from their past trauma, some may still be getting treatment for medical issues, and some may just need more time to be socialized. It’s different for every animal but we do our best to get them listed as soon as we think they’re ready so they have the best chances at finding their forever family.
We do not support purchasing animals from breeders, pet stores, auction houses, or similar. Unfortunately by purchasing an animal from such facilities, we would only be creating space for the cycle of unethical breeding and inappropriate care to continue. This also means we do not pursue saving animals being sold as “feeders.” Many species are carnivores and must consume other animals. (Fact: Humans were not made to consume animal products). Should we choose to take in an animal from one of these situations, we would only step in to do so if extreme neglect was present. The hard truth is that we cannot save them all. We grieve for the animals who are sacrificed in hopes of creating a more compassionate future. Change is possible when people are given the correct education and can make informed decisions.
We believe all animals deserve the opportunity to live a good life. We will never euthanize an animal due to lack of space, supplies, or resources. We will never euthanize an animal who’s healthy. We do believe that sometimes euthanasia is in an animals best interest. If an animal’s quality of life is diminished, euthanasia is typically an option suggested by a licensed veterinarian. We use our best judgement to advocate for what’s in the animals best interest.
We hope to be as transparent as possible with our community and supporters. And we believe it’s important to spread education on what really goes on in rescues, how rescues operate, and how the public can help. If any questions or concerns come up from our report, please feel free to email us at: lalasrescue@gmail.com
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