| ABOUT US | ||
| MEXICO-the name conjures up inviting images of tropical beaches, warm ocean waves and romantic mariachi-filled evenings under the stars. Indeed, that’s what many Americans know and love about the country--its’ beautiful and relaxing vacation experiences. | ||
| There is another side to the place, however, a side rarely seen outside
the manicured grounds of a luxury hotel. Drive down any dusty road and
you are likely to see numerous animals--mangy, starving dogs roaming
in packs, disease ridden cats scrounging for food and starving horses
tied by a mere foot or two of rope to a barren tree, without the relief
of shade or water. In a country where many people are themselves struggling
to make ends meet, animals are at worst starved, beaten and tortured--and
at best--simply forgotten. |
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| The mission of the REFUGE ANIMAL SANCTUARY is to care for these animals: to provide a no-kill shelter, to prevent the current proliferation of strays by providing free or low cost spay and neuter clinics throughout the region and to educate local citizens about basic animal care and the ethical treatment of all living creatures. | ||
| The dedicated volunteers doing the work are primarily U.S. and Canadian citizens who live in the area for extended periods or year-round. We are assisted by Mexican residents who are sympathetic to our efforts and by tourists who visit the region. | ||
| As in many developing countries, Mexico has many families struggling to feed themselves. They cannot afford food or veterinary care for their animals. In addition to the economic barrier to proper animal care, sadly, it is socially acceptable to neglect animals. If the dog who was previously useful becomes old or ill, it is then a “bother” and is often literally disposed of like trash; driven to a remote field or beach and left. Cats, with little immediate usefulness, are perhaps the worst victims of abuse and neglect. Rather than spay or neuter a family animal, new litters are disposed of and the process repeats itself again and again. Unfortunately, children who witness these behaviors learn that this treatment is acceptable. | ||
| This is where The Refuge comes in. Our immediate goal has been to establish a no-kill shelter where strays and other unwanted animals are guaranteed food, shelter and vet care. The shelter has developed an active adoption program, allowing visitors and locals the opportunity to adopt an animal while providing assistance with education, food and vet care to guard against future abuse and neglect. | ||
| Spay/neuter is the primary focus of The Refuge, as overpopulation is the root of the animal problem. We are also trying to raise the funds to purchase a mobile spay/neuter vehicle. We have several local vets who will begin taking it to the many small villages, ranches and barrios that have never seen a vet. By combining this action with our regular spay/neuter clinics, we know that positive results will be seen within 3 years. In Todos Santos, Angelique(the spay/neuter queen) has continued organizing large clinics twice a year. They are done totally with volunteers and hard earned donations. Mariposa holds monthly clinics at the shelter. The animals must be "fixed" to find new homes. Where large clinics have been in place for several years, there has been a marked decrease in the number of stray cats and dogs roaming the streets. | ||
| So much needs to be done. The number of homeless and suffering animals seems almost overwhelming. We may also say that the possibilities for doing great things are endless. We, at The Refuge, prefer the positive approach. If you can find it possible to adopt us as a pet cause, any assistance will be greatly appreciated. | ||
| The Refuge was officially incorporated in 2002 and is recognized by the I.R.S. as a 501(c)(3) corporation with tax-exempt status, thus qualified to receive tax deductible contributions. We receive no assistance from the Mexican government. ALL donations go directly to the animals’ care, none are spent on the management or promotion of The Refuge. | ||
For more information, please contact us at info@refugeanimalsanctuary.org |
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Write to us at PO Box 11833, Aspen, CO., 81612 or
call 970-925-3234. |
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Our web site is www.refugeanimalsanctuary.org. |
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