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Hernando Today

Use Caution When Rescuing Animals

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: March 22, 2009

It is easy to make a serious mistake when rescuing an animal in need. No matter what the circumstances you may find an animal in, it is important to exercise caution. This is in the best interest of the animal you are trying to help, as well as your safety and the safety and welfare of the pets you have at home.

An animal can look perfectly healthy and still be the carrier of a serious or fatal disease that could easily be carried home to your pets. The threat of rabies, parvo, coccidia, feline aids and leukemia, FIP are all very serious diseases that are not always initially detectable. Some of them can be carried home as simply as on the bottom of your shoe.

A wounded animal, no matter how helpless it looks could inflict a serious bite, scratch or kick when you approach them. Fear and pain are powerful stimulants for adrenaline and/or aggression even in the friendliest animal.
Kittens and puppies that have lost their mothers need to be fed in an appropriate manner so they do not aspirate and they must manually be stimulated to urinate and defecate. These procedures need to be learned by the human rescuer.

This is not to infer that you should not come to the aid of an animal in distress, but you should use extreme caution. It is recommended that you call experienced rescue personnel such as your local shelter, veterinarian, animal services or wildlife rehabilitator for instructions or assistance.

Be helpful and be safe and do not inflict additional injuries to an animal in need.

Rescue Personnel

Hernando County Animal Services: 796-5062
Humane Society of the Nature Coast: 796-2711

100 Acre Woods: 650-2892

Florida Fish and Wildlife: 866-392-4286

Joanne Schoch is the exective director of the Humane Society of the Nature Coast, Inc. She can be reached at 796-2711.

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