“Scum bags” was the term the
rescue team used to describe the people responsible for the cruel treatment of
4,000 roosters and hens. Discovered on some remote farmland, the birds were
being bred for cock fighting matches. The conditions these animals were living
in was disgraceful. Starving and frozen, suffering from neglect and disease, a
compassionate rescue team of professionals set about the task of saving these
maltreated creatures.
I was contacted across the
country to come on site and help this rescue team cope with their emotions
since a decision was made that 2,000 roosters would have to be euthanized.
This was not the ordinary
rescue mission for these team members. They had extensive experience coming to
natural disasters such as tornadoes or hurricanes. They had rescued hundreds of
lost dogs, cats and a variety of animal species. Their task was always to nurse these
small creatures back to health and in many cases happily restore the pets back
to their owners.
This was a criminal case.
Evidence had to be gleaned from tags attached to each rooster’s wing feathers. The
sad reality was that these animals were raised to be aggressive and used for
gambling in cock fighting matches. Changing the birds aggressive nature was
unfortunately not an option. Therefore, the humane decision was to euthanize
each animal.
One seasoned rescue member
shared that this was not part of their job description. Their purpose was
always to save and rehabilitate the animals. Bringing animals back to health
and restoring them to their owners or help in finding a new loving home. It was
gut wrenching to observe each handler struggle with each bird fighting for its
survival. However, the handlers carried out their duty with precision and grace.
With dignity, they reached inside each cage and grasped the rooster who then
would first be put to sleep and later received their injection from the
veterinarian in a humane manner.
I was humbled to work along
side each rescue member, taking the euthanized birds over to the forensic
team to examine each animal for evidence. These people would gently place
each bird on the exam table to be processed and identified and then with dignity placed
back into its box and handed over to their final resting place. A decision was made to save
the remaining hens that numbered close to 2,000. They are currently being fed and watered and
waiting for their new homes throughout the country.
Similar to 9/11, never in my widest dreams did I imagine that I would be called upon to support such an outstanding team of rescue workers. Sometimes we find ourselves in
unique situations that demand our very best. The rescue work was exhausting
both physically and emotionally. I observed the highest degree of respect for
each bird as they were carried to their final resting place. For some lucky
hens, their life will go on as they continue to receive food and care until
someone comes to adopt each one. In my heart, these people are true heroes in
giving each rooster dignity at the end of life and helping to find homes for
the remaining hens. This was one of the most unique critical incident services that I have been called upon to serve since 9/11. God was truly present in the way each person served to protect and care for each animal.At the final debriefing, i complimented this team for their compassionate work and told them to take the day off when they returned home to their families.
God invites us to listen to his words and what do you
hear? “The Lord helps them and rescues them; he rescues them from the wicked,
and saves them, because they take refuge in him.” (Psalm 37:40).
Lord, I pray for all my Sonshine Friends who are victims
of violence. May God keep you safe. If you would like to adopt a rescued hen,
call your local animal shelter and have them contact the ASPCA to provide a
safe haven for one of God’s beautiful creatures.
