Animal Rescue Research Articles

“Cute saves the world!”: animal Internet Celebrities’ cute activism in the #adoptdon’tshop animal rescue campaign on social media

ABSTRACT This paper examines everyday media practices and seamless work in animal advocacy by various actors with different levels of internet celebrity status, who curate their media personas around ‘cute’ animal images, including established pet Influencers and animal internet celebrities. Through a case study of the most prominent (hashtag) campaign and movement against the pet trade industry and culture in South Korea, #AdoptDon’tShop [#사지말고입양하세요, sajimalgo-ipyanghaseyo], I explore animal internet celebrities’ media practices and immaterial labor that are understated but rigorously performed out of compassion and care for animals. Taking up scholarship on cuteness and Influencer culture, I introduce the concept of cute activism, a novel iteration of social movements adapted into visual social media cultures, pivoting on the performative potential of cuteness and its inherent competency in navigating increasingly-visualized, attention-seeking social media environments. While the instinctive affective appeal of cuteness serves as a driving force and primary modality of cute activism, effectively attracting more people to be tuned into messages, events, and ultimately movements, the very appeal may come into being as a burden for activists, inducing them into continuous immaterial labor.

A Multidisciplinary One Health Approach to Addressing Unsanitary Conditions: The Case of Cascais

Abstract Unsanitary conditions in domiciles often stem from complex social and health-related issues, involving the elderly and/or individuals with mental health problems. These situations typically lead to a decreased quality of life for those involved, directly and indirectly, and may pose a risk to public health depending on their magnitude. In Cascais municipality, identified cases of unsanitary conditions undergo a multidisciplinary analysis. It has been established a Local Technical Group for Domiciliary Unsanitary Situations, comprising various institutions such as local authorities, law enforcement agencies, civil protection, health and social security ministries, and the animal rescue center. This group operates under a One Health approach, encompassing human health, environmental health, and animal health. Interventions are determined by the working group, with the aim of promoting health and enhancing citizens’ quality of life. Cases of unsanitary conditions reported are subsequently discussed within the technical group, which has regular meetings, and may organize joint assessment visits and appropriate actions. This social and environmental initiative responds to the growing need to address unsanitary and cluttered living conditions, which significantly impact individuals’ physical, emotional, and social well-being. The objective is to restore housing conditions in homes by removing waste and unnecessary items, contributing to general individual well-being. While international studies suggest a correlation between unsanitary conditions and hoarding disorder, it’s crucial to differentiate between distinct and independent situations caused by various physical, psychological, and cognitive processes. The establishment of a Local Technical Group for Domiciliary Unsanitary Situations exemplifies a proactive approach to addressing complex health and social challenges, emphasizing collaboration, and holistic intervention strategies, always with a One Health approach. Key messages • Addressing unsanitary conditions is crucial for safeguarding public health, impacting physical, emotional, and social well-being. • The establishment of a Local Technical Group for Domiciliary Unsanitary Situations, under a One Health framework, reflects a collaborative approach to addressing complex health and social challenges.

Copper Sulfate Supplementation Alleviates Molybdenosis in the Tibetan Gazelles in the Qinghai Lake Basin.

Molybdenum (Mo), an essential mineral, plays a key role in the vital activity of the organism. However, excess Mo in the forage will cause loss of appetite, diarrhea, emaciation, bone injury, joint abnormalities, and anemia in animals. In order to study molybdenosis in the Procapra picticaudata in the animal rescue center, samples of soils, forages, blood, and liver were collected. The mineral contents of all samples were determined, and the blood parameters were also measured. The results showed that the Mo level in the soil and forage in the animal rescue center was significantly higher than that in healthy pastures (p < 0.01). The Mo concentrations in the blood and liver in the P. picticaudata from the animal rescue center were also noticeably higher than those in healthy animals (p < 0.01). The level of Cu in the blood and liver were noticeably lower than those in healthy P. picticaudata (p < 0.01). The superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and catalase (CAT) were significantly lower than those in healthy animals. Supplementing copper sulfate (CuSO4) could significantly decrease the Mo content in the blood, and cure molybdenosis. In summary, the excessive Mo content in the soil and forage in the animal rescue center had greatly affected physiological parameters and antioxidant capacity. It is likely that the molybdenosis of the P. picticaudata is caused by the high Mo contents in soils and forages. CuSO4 may alleviate molybdenosis in P. picticaudata.

1000 Animals Left Behind: Responder Experiences of the 2017 Edgecumbe Flood in New Zealand.

The 2017 Edgecumbe flood in New Zealand necessitated the rescue of over 1000 animals, making it the largest companion animal rescue operation in the nation's history at the time. This qualitative study explores the experiences and perspectives of six first responders from various agencies involved in the animal rescue efforts. Through semi-structured interviews, this study identified several key themes, including challenges during the rescue phase, post-rescue issues, the impact on the human-animal relationship and wellbeing, and the health and safety of responders. The rescue phase was characterised by difficulties in evacuating and rescuing animals, the influence of the socio-zoological scale on rescue prioritisation, issues with feeding animals in place, and the diversity of species requiring rescue. Post-rescue challenges included animal identification and tracking, decontamination, management of deceased animals, and long-term impacts on animals and owners. This study also highlighted the interconnectedness of human and animal welfare during the disaster, as well as the health and safety risks faced by responders. The findings underscore the need for comprehensive collaborative emergency response planning that addresses the needs of both humans and animals, as well as the importance of ongoing efforts to build resilience and preparedness in communities. Lessons learned from the Edgecumbe flood can inform future policy, planning, and practice to enhance the effectiveness and compassion of animal-inclusive emergency management.

“A Way to Save a Pig’s Life”: The Impossibility of Animal Rescue in Charlotte’s Web

“A Way to Save a Pig’s Life”: The Impossibility of Animal Rescue in Charlotte’s Web

Participation in a Prison-Based Training Programme Is Beneficial for Rescue Dogs.

Dogs are often relinquished because of behavioural issues which may be exacerbated in rehoming centres. Prison-based dog training programmes (DTPs) may enhance outcomes for rescue dogs by providing socialisation and training opportunities to improve behaviour, welfare and likelihood of rehoming. We assessed whether dogs benefitted from participation, 1-3 times per week, in a prison-based DTP in which male young offenders learn how to train and care for dogs waiting to be rehomed. Within DTP sessions, there was significant improvement on a range of training tasks (n = 42 dogs). Analyses of videos (n = 17 dogs) in the kennels and a training barn pre- and post-DTP participation showed improvement in some positive behaviours, but no significant change in other behaviours. Subjective ratings by staff of the dogs' behaviour were made (n = 20 dogs). Desirable behaviours (e.g., playful/friendly) increased, and most undesirable behaviours (e.g., frustrated and noisy) decreased. Participation in the DTP did not mitigate all negative behaviours. However, improvements are consistent with enhanced welfare and likelihood of successful rehoming. Prison-based DTPs can be effective in supporting the work of animal rescue organisations to improve outcomes for dogs, while offering people in custody an opportunity to engage in purposeful activity and provide a community service.

Characteristics and challenges of companion animal rescue organisations in New Zealand

ABSTRACT Aims To describe the characteristics of companion animal rescue organisations (CARO) in New Zealand; to describe current capacity, resource limitations and challenges of CARO with a particular focus on cats and dogs; and to explore support for creating a national database of CARO in New Zealand. Methods A cross-sectional survey was administered to CARO in New Zealand in May 2022. The survey asked about organisational characteristics, types and numbers of animals cared for, services provided, policies, staffing, funding sources, challenges, and attitudes towards a national database for rescue organisations. Descriptive statistics were provided for all quantitative study variables and free-text comments were analysed for common themes. Results The survey was completed by 106/208 (51%) known CARO distributed across the country. These CARO provided services to an estimated 59,874 homeless animals annually with 86/106 (81%) providing services to cats and/or dogs. Primary services provided by CARO who cared for cats or dogs included rehoming (72/86; 84%) and housing (70/86; 81%) animals. Intake was managed through a combination of strategies. Donations (72/86; 82%) were the main funding source. The 62 registered charities were more likely to report being funded by grants than the 23 non-charities (39/62 (63%) vs. 1/23 (4%); p < 0.001), and non-charities were more likely to self-fund (18/23 (78%) vs. 20/62 (32%); p < 0.001). Nearly half of the CARO that provided workforce information (35/72; 49%) had a workforce of 10 or fewer including volunteers. A total of 5,699 people worked for 86 CARO that care for cats or dogs of whom 4,847 (85%) were part-time volunteers. Of the 72 cat and dog CARO who provided workforce information, 57/72 (79%) relied solely on volunteers. The majority of all 106 CARO respondents (78/106; 73%) indicated they were likely to register on a national database of CARO, subject to addressing concerns about time required and information security. CARO respondents described challenges of insufficient funding, access to veterinary services, and a shortage of volunteers and foster homes, with additional concerns including a lack of public awareness, supportive legislation, and resources. Financial support (90/106; 85%) and policy change (76/106; 72%) were preferred support options. Conclusions This study highlights the significant role played by CARO in New Zealand and the challenges they face, emphasising the need for financial support, legislation, and initiatives extending beyond the rescue sector to reduce the number of animals being surrendered. The findings also suggest a willingness among CARO to participate in a national database.

SISTEM INFORMASI ADOPSI HEWAN PADA MEDAN ANIMAL RESCUE BERBASIS WEB

The welfare of adopted animals is an important aspect that should be a concern for improving the quality of life and overall health of these animals. However, in the real situation that occurs, the welfare of adopted animals is often neglected by those who adopt these animals. Proper welfare practices for pets can enhance the quality of life and ensure their good health, reducing the risk of diseases and preventing disease transmission. Medan Animal Rescue is an organization dedicated to the rescue and placement of adopted animals. To support the process of animal rescue and placement, an information system is needed to facilitate the activities at Medan Animal Rescue. The information system is developed using the waterfall methodology and tested using the black box testing method and user acceptance testing (UAT). The ultimate result of this research is an information system that can be utilized by both Medan Animal Rescue and adopters in the process to enhance the welfare of adopted animals.

”You don’t have the right to steal my life”: Exploring the harms of puppy farming on ex-breeding dogs

The last decade or so has witnessed a growing body of work within green criminology exploring forms of non-human animal abuse and harms involving companion animals. To date, however, comparably less attention has been paid to the puppy trade and the phenomena of commercial dog breeding facilities (or puppy mills/puppy farms). The aim of this article is to add to this literature by exploring the multiple harms of puppy farming, focusing on its impact on the breeding dogs themselves; specifically breeding bitches. Adopting a green criminological perspective and drawing on interviews with animal rescue staff, foster carers and those who have adopted ex-breeding dogs within the UK, the article explores the harms of puppy farming on their bodies and behaviours. Interviewees describe how ex-breeding dogs are physically worn out after a life of constant breeding and often suffer from a range of often serious medical issues. In addition, they were invariably emotionally shut down, exhibiting anxiety and phobic responses when confronted with new situations, people and sounds, as well as ones that recalled the conditions in which they were kept while in the puppy farm.

Biocultural Conservation-based Narrative Text: An Effort to Enhance Conservation Literacy of the Local Community in the Sanctuary Area

This study is part of the Faculty of Languages and Arts’ second-year research project in partnership with International Animal Rescue (IAR). The major goal was to raise conservation awareness among the local people dwelling in the sanctuary region of Pematang Gadung Village, Ketapang Regency, West Borneo, to tackle environmental challenges such as illegal logging, poaching, and illegal mining. The research and development process were divided into three stages based on the Successive Approximation Model (SAM): preparation, iterative design, and iterative development. This work focuses primarily on the iterative design phase, expanding on the findings of the research completed in the first year when the local people perceived forest as commodities due to their lack of conservation literacy. Their biocultural conservation, on the other hand, was profoundly based on their indigenous, Muslim Malay ethnic beliefs and traditions. This study aims to construct a biocultural conservation-based narrative text as a first step toward generating conservation material that resonates with the community’s local wisdom using a biocultural approach.&#x0D; Keywords: conservation literacy, biocultural conservation approach, SAM, REB, local community of Pematang Gadung Village

Prediction of the size and spatial distribution of free-roaming dog populations in urban areas of Nepal

A factor constraining the elimination of dog-mediated human rabies is limited information on the size and spatial distribution of free-roaming dog populations (FRDPs). The aim of this study was to develop a statistical model to predict the size of free-roaming dog populations and the spatial distribution of free-roaming dogs in urban areas of Nepal, based on real-world dog census data from the Himalayan Animal Rescue Trust (HART) and Animal Nepal. Candidate explanatory variables included proximity to roads, building density, specific building types, human population density and normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI). A multivariable Poisson point process model was developed to estimate dog population size in four study locations in urban Nepal, with building density and distance from nearest retail food establishment or lodgings as explanatory variables. The proposed model accurately predicted, within a 95 % confidence interval, the surveyed FRDP size and spatial distribution for all four study locations. This model is proposed for further testing and refinement in other locations as a decision-support tool alongside observational dog population size estimates, to inform dog health and public health initiatives including rabies elimination efforts to support the ‘zero by 30′ global mission.

Companion animal adoption and relinquishment during the COVID-19 pandemic: The experiences of animal rescue staff and volunteers.

There has been a paucity of research into the experiences of animal rescue staff and volunteers during COVID-19. The aim of this qualitative research was to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on companion animal rescue organisations and their staff and volunteers, and to develop a set of recommendations on how to reduce the risk to companion animal welfare during a crisis. Descriptive thematic analysis was used to explore the experiences of staff and volunteers from 28 animal rescue organisations, most of which were based in the UK. Other surveyed countries included Germany, the Republic of Ireland, France, Spain, the USA and Australia. We identify three key themes that reflect the challenges faced by pet rescue organisations during the pandemic: (1) impact on animals; (2) impact on identity; and (3) impact on organisational processes. Key recommendations include the promotion of co-operation and modifications within the sector, the need to understand, and change, detrimental pet-owner behaviours, and the need to clarify the identity of animal rescue organisations within the Government. Both positive and negative outcomes were experienced by animal rescue organisations during the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings should be considered for future crises and indeed the everyday operating procedures of companion animal rescue organisations.

Penguin Parables: Picturebooks, Interspecies Companionship, and Ecoliteracy

Abstract: The erasures and evasions that characterize picturebook retellings of the true story of Dindim and João Pereira de Souza are instructive of the ways in which some children’s literature understates, distorts, and displaces human impacts on the environment. By reframing anthropogenic disaster as animal rescue, the story of interspecies companionship effectively mutes and disarms the story of environmental catastrophe. In the process, it forestalls eco-critical awareness of and solutions to problems such as chronic pollution, habitat destruction, species extinction, and climate change. By decontextualizing complex origin stories, erasing uncomfortable facts, and romanticizing interspecies relationships, the picturebooks discussed reveal the challenges to environmental consciousness imposed by the imperative to moral or emotional uplift in children’s literature.

Toxoplasmosis in jungle dog (speothos venaticus): case study

This clinical case describes a bush dog (Speothos venaticus), a vulnerable species in Ecuador. The objective was to document a case of toxoplasmosis in a captive specimen at the Yanacocha Animal Rescue Center in the Amazon region of Ecuador. A 2-year-old, 6,7 kg specimen was brought to the VitalPet specialty clinic in Ambato with symptoms of ataxia, lethargy, and anorexia of 24 hours’ duration. Clinical examinations and blood tests, including complete blood count, comprehensive blood chemistry, hemoparasite tests, and immunoglobulin analysis for toxoplasmosis, were performed. Results showed neutrophilic leukocytosis, a hematocrit of 50 %, and slight hyperglycemia. Infections by Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, Lyme, and Dirofilaria were ruled out. Clinical signs and high IgG and IgM antibody titers indicated that the patient was affected by toxoplasmosis

Advancing conservation: Internet of Things-driven initiatives for marine animal rescue due to climate changes

Advancing conservation: Internet of Things-driven initiatives for marine animal rescue due to climate changes

Toxoplasmosis in jungle dog (speothos venaticus): case study

This clinical case describes a bush dog (Speothos venaticus), a vulnerable species in Ecuador. The objective was to document a case of toxoplasmosis in a captive specimen at the Yanacocha Animal Rescue Center in the Amazon region of Ecuador. A 2-year-old, 6.7 kg specimen was brought to the VitalPet specialty clinic in Ambato with symptoms of ataxia, lethargy, and anorexia of 24 hours’ duration. Clinical examinations and blood tests, including complete blood count, comprehensive blood chemistry, hemoparasite tests, and immunoglobulin analysis for toxoplasmosis, were performed. Results showed neutrophilic leukocytosis, a hematocrit of 50%, and slight hyperglycemia. Infections by Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, Lyme, and Dirofilaria were ruled out. Clinical signs and high IgG and IgM antibody titers indicated that the patient was affected by toxoplasmosis

ANIMAL RANGER WEBSITE DESIGN: ANIMAL ADOPTION PLATFORM

Currently, both government and non-government organizations such as animal shelters performing rescue and adoption of stray animals. Although the ecosystem is not running well, some animal lovers still adopt stray animals from the shelter. Information that is limited and unclear is also faced by shelters and animal lovers in performing rescue and adoption. We created the Animal Ranger website based on problems. Analysis and system planning are based on interviews with animal shelters and questionnaires for animal lovers, using the UML method. Animal Ranger website was expected to encourage stray animal rescue and adoption of the ecosystem by animal lovers and animal shelters

Decolonizing Interspecies Relationality

The article examines neoliberal and anthropocentric discourses of disability inclusion in the context of animal rescue. The first part offers a close reading of two US-based documentaries— Guardians of Recoleta (Kuhre) and God’s Little People (Berkley)—both of which perpetuate ableist and anthropocentric assumptions about transnational adoption as a “cure” or solution for animals with illnesses and disabilities. Drawing upon ethnographic participant observation at a cat sanctuary in Syros, Greece, the second part discusses narratives of feline skin cancer survivors that center around animal agency, pleasure, and desire. By caring for cats in a way that accounts for their capacity to experience pleasure as well as pain, volunteers at Syros Cats articulate a decolonial approach to the question of interspecies relationality, one based not on neoliberal models of ownership and property rights, but rather on a recognition of street cats as subjects of multispecies habitats.

Investigation of an unusual cluster of illness among staff at a wildlife rescue centre

Abstract When two previously fit and well staff from a wildlife rescue centre were hospitalised in early September 2018 with severe pneumonia and meningitis symptoms, the Health Protection Team began an investigation. Possible diagnoses included influenza and legionella, although it was not flu season, and initial testing proved negative. There were reports of other staff illness over the preceding weeks. The centre had accepted a wide range species over the Summer, including high numbers of gulls and pigeons, and an outbreak of psittacosis was suspected; the patients responded rapidly to doxycycline. An incident management team was rapidly convened to investigate and determine control measures. A testing algorithm was developed: including for Influenza A&amp;B, Urine legionella &amp; pneumococcal antigen; reference laboratory serology testing and real-time PCR for Chlamydia.psittaci; and pan-corona viruses. Case finding was conducted by telephone interviews and a select-survey of all 55 staff gained 46 responses. A series of site visits examined working practices at the site. Avian and environmental sampling was undertaken. A total of 22 staff met the agreed case definition for psittacosis, five of whom were later confirmed. Clinical features ranged from mild to severe. The onset dates of illness ranged from July to September. There was no evidence of person-to-person transmission. Analysis did not show a clear correlation between PPE use and illness. Clinical, microbiological, environmental, veterinary, and epidemiological evidence indicated zoonotic transmission of psittacosis. Variable compliance with PPE, hygiene when handling birds, and disinfection had likely contributed via aerosolization of dust. This was likely exacerbated by very high bird stocks and unusually warm weather conditions. Comprehensive recommendations were made to reduce the chances of future outbreaks, which are generalisable to other countries. Key messages • This was one of the largest clusters of human psittacosis described in a workplace in England. • Biosecurity in animal rescue centres is crucial to limit the chance of psittacosis and other zoonoses.

Animal Rescue Tourism: Supporting the Welfare and Rights of Domesticated Street Animals in the Age of Social Media

Summary This case focuses on domesticated animals in tourism and explores how animal rescue organisations can engage voluntourism to promote animal welfare and rights in the digital age. A key issue addressed is how social media can be both harmful and beneficial for animals in tourism. In terms of the latter, the case shows how an animal rescue organisation in India has leveraged social media to heighten awareness and engagement in animal welfare and rights through tourism. Rather than partake in harmful wildlife selfies or unwittingly support cruel industry practices, voluntourists actively help to rescue and rehabilitate injured and ill street animals and further promote the cause by sharing their experiences online. Through detailing a real-world example of an organisation that promotes animal rights while simultaneously providing voluntourists with meaningful experiences, this case study encourages reader reflection on animal ethics in tourism. Interested stakeholders, including other animal rescue organisations, can use and adopt the lessons learnt to achieve similar positive outcomes. Information © The Author 2023