No act of Mother Nature - animals found abandoned and starving in East Valley

(Gilbert, AZ) In recent weeks, there has been a great deal of media coverage and public concern over abandoned animals being rescued in the New Orleans area, and rightfully so. For most people, their animal companions are family members therefore the stories of animals left behind really touch our hearts.

Sadly, that is not the case for everyone. Here in our very own backyards animals are abandoned. In our deserts and rural areas every day animals are left to fend for themselves. This is not an act of Mother Nature or due to an emergency situation. It is time to address the acts of simple neglect and abandonment happening in our very own community.

Friends for Life Animal Sanctuary is working on a rescue project in the far East Valley. Several dogs, some with puppies or expecting puppies any day, living in drainage pipes and shrub brush in an abandoned area are struggling to survive. Without rescue they will not endure the challenge of living without food, water, or care. They are also in danger of becoming prey for coyotes.

Friends for Life has rescued 4 moms and 25 puppies (ranging in age of 5-8 days old to 12 days old) from the area over the last two weeks. It is clear that these dogs are not feral and were once domestic animal companions. Maricopa County Animal Care and Control notes that it is not only cruel to deliberately abandon an animal; it is also illegal. Domestic animals do not know how to fend for themselves and frequently fall victim to cars, desert elements, and native predators.

This week Friends for Life Animal Sanctuary volunteers are attempting to humanely trap three more adult dogs from this same area.

“Stray animals are the focus of Friends for Life Animal Sanctuary’s rescue efforts” says Jannelle Cosgriff, organization spokesperson volunteering with the organization since 1995. “Companion animals are not meant to fend for themselves in our community. The homeless animals suffer a horrible end when not lucky enough to be rescued. These rescued momma dogs have a long way to go to regain their normal body weight. Another week out on their own and they surely would have perished”.

Donations of premium puppy food, adult food, Epsilac, and puppy pens are being accepted by this registered nonprofit organization. Sponsors to cover expenses through to their adoption are also welcomed.

These animals reside in foster homes. Friends for Life is also in need of foster homes so that additional rescues can occur.

Upcoming fundraisers for Friends for Life Animal Sanctuary will help the organization sustain rescue efforts such as those mentioned.

October 15th – BARKtoberfest
9-2 p.m. at Baseline & Gilbert Roads
Vendors, dog wash, raffles, contests, games, and entertainment will fill the day.

October 22nd – Yearly Yard Sale
Donations are being accepted now. No clothing needed.

For more information phone 480-497-8296 or click in to http://www.azfriends.org/. To see photographs of these recent rescued animals visit this slide show: http://http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/dogcatfriends2003/album?.dir=/efa9&.view=t