Who, What, Why?
Rescue Rally originated from the realization that animal welfare donor and tax dollars all too frequently do not arrive at the intended destination, the animals at the greatest and most immediate need – those who find themselves at a municipal shelter. In the private sector, small, all-volunteer rescue organizations work passionately to save animals from Indianapolis Animal Care and Control. IACC is provided only an anemic budget that prohibits dignity of care for the animals there.
Most recent data indicates that last year (2010) IACC received 16,933 animals, 8,707 of them were destroyed. The IACC facility is an antiquated building with grossly inadequate HVAC system, there is no isolation area for sick animals, near zero veterinary care, virulence preponderates and staffing is inadequate. Staff efficacy is marginalized and the animals rely on the ability of outside organizations for help.
30% of the animals who leave IACC alive do so via the efforts of our local rescues. Rescue organizations are the life-line. Despite the efforts of kennel staff, these animals are frequently sick with shelter-related diseases that are expensive to treat. Treatment costs take a toll on a rescue organization’s treasury. All-volunteer rescue organizations do not have a “brand name” to attract the big dollars; they have no paid staff, professional fund-raisers or marketing personnel. The constraint on these rescue organizations’ ability to pull, vet and adopt out these animals from IACC is directly related to the support they receive from discretionary donors.
The Rescue Rally is a fun competition that incentivizes, recognizes and rewards those participating rescues that operate with an optimum of proficiency to save animals from a municipal facility. By supporting the Rescue Rally, you support the rescues who are providing that life line for these animals in need.
This Year
This year’s Rally competition runs from October 15, 2011 – January 15, 2012. Our goal is to double the number of animals saved in last year’s 3 month period. Categories of animals pulled for awards from IACC include: dogs, cats, “special needs” and those who have had the longest residency at the IACC! Visit HERE for a specific list of award categories.
Small, all-volunteer animal rescue organizations receive marginal recognition and support. With your help, we can change that, assist IACC and save more at-risk animals, too!
Last Year
Last year the category of animals for awards was limited to only dogs and just four Rally participating organizations saved 110 dogs from IACC in the three month period. View the excitement from last year’s Rally HERE.
