CLEVELAND — Earlier this year, local authorities and the Humane World for Animals (formerly the Humane Society of the United States) rescued hundreds of animals that had been living in brutal conditions at a fur and urine farm.
The animals were living in wire cages that were exposed to cold temperatures. Some of them were missing body parts and were weak and dehydrated. Several of the animals were also found dead.
Animals on the property included foxes, raccoons, wolf-dog hybrids, skunks, opossums and coyotes.
(Courtesy Humane World for Animals)
While some animals on the property needed to be humanely euthanized, rescuers were able to remove 300 animals from the property, Kirsten Peek, manager of media relations for Humane World for Animals, told Spectrum News 1 in an email providing an update on the animals’ conditions.
Those animals have been placed with wildlife rehabilitators and sanctuaries.
“Tragically, the only way to help other animals on the property was to humanely end their suffering through euthanasia; some had severe injuries and illness, and others simply had no safe place to go,” she said. “Releasing animals unaccustomed to living in wild environments would have been inhumane, unsafe and potentially damaging to local ecosystems.”
Peek said many of them are in temporary care arrangements as they look into permanent options.
She said the following groups have been involved in placement or transportation of these animals:
- Ohio Wildlife Center
- Wolfwood Refuge
- Lockwood Animal Rescue Center
- Walking Wild Rescue
- Nature’s Nursery
- BEARS Etc.
- WEST Wildlife Rehab
- Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary
- Crows Hollow Wildlife Care
- Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation
- Clover Field Wildlife Care
- Indiana Coyote Rescue Center
- Brukner Nature Center
- Red Riding Hood Rescue Project
- Dr. Dolittles Wildlife Center
- The Pipsqueakery
- Exotic Feline Rescue Center
- Elmira’s Wildlife Sanctuary
The Humane World for Animals also directs any sanctuaries with proper permits interested in offering a permanent home to these animals to click on this link.
Here are some photos of the rescued animals at their wildlife rehabilitation centers:
In a press release about the initial rescue, the Humane World for Animals said animals raised for fur trade are often exposed to brutal conditions.
They also said “there are no federal regulations related to the welfare, care or slaughter of animals farmed for their fur.”
This fur exchange, they say, was licensed through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
“Humane World for Animals is continuing to help the animals rescued from this situation by offering the organizations involved funding for veterinary care, transportation reimbursement, and other supplies and support,” Peek said. “Additionally, we are continuing to assist with placement arrangements for the animals who are currently in temporary placement locations.”
