Dawn and Richard B., volunteers for HSAPL, were driving over the busy Roosevelt Bridge during rush-hour traffic. Suddenly, a small black object was hurled onto the bridge from the window of a vehicle two cars in front of them. With horror, they realized that this object was a small, black kitten. The car in front of them slammed on its brakes and the occupants, Catherine Russo and Shannon Glover, jumped from their car, as did Dawn and Richard. Richard directed traffic around them, while Dawn and Catherine gently picked up the terrified kitten and wrapped him in a blanket.
The kitten was immediately taken to Savanna Animal Hospital where it was determined to be in good shape, despite a couple of scrapes and bruises. HSAPL alerted a local TV station and the story appeared on the news that evening. The kitten, appropriately named Roosevelt, was quickly adopted by a loving family.
Fortunately, this story ended happily. However, instances of such cruelty to animals are all too common. HSAPL has offered a $500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrator of the Roosevelt Bridge incident, but the chances are slim that justice will prevail in this case. Sadly, animal rights are not a priority for many of our lawmakers.
You may well be asking, "What can be done to prevent animal abuse and neglect?" Addressing these issues involves persistence and determination. HSAPL and many other rescue organizations are dedicated to protecting the interests of homeless and unwanted animals. The quick thinking of Roosevelt’s rescuers last week saved the little kitten’s life. And the follow-up by executive director, Pam Walker, brought media attention to the incident which served to raise public awareness about the problem of animal cruelty. In addition, the volunteers for HSAPL are always on the look-out for opportunities to gently educate the people they meet. Sometimes abuse and neglect are the result of ignorance rather than malicious intent. But sweeping changes need to be made to the laws which currently give offenders little more than a fine and a slap on the wrist. As voting citizens, we can speak up about our concerns and write our Congressmen, urging their support of tougher legislation to protect animals and punish offenders. Financial support of rescue organizations is also important. With the struggling economy, HSAPL and others face more challenges than ever before in procuring funding to continue our work.
The battle against animal cruelty is ongoing. Roosevelt’s happy ending is heartening and his story serves as a reminder that there are many kind people in the community who are helping us to “fight the good fight.” However, not all stories end happily and each of us bears the burden of taking action to prevent future instances of animal abuse.
For information on donating, adopting or volunteering with HSAPL, please call 772-463-7386.
