Let’s talk Accountability

In light of recent events surrounding the closure of a rescue organization in Northern Alberta, I felt compelled to put my thoughts into words. For the sake of privacy—and because I don’t have all the facts regarding the seizure—I won’t be naming anyone or sharing specific details. In truth, that part doesn’t matter. What matters is that this situation could have happened to any rescue operating under similar circumstances, and that’s what I want to reflect on here.

I’ve been watching the posts and the information being shared. I’ve also been watching the comments of keyboard warriors - all throwing their judgement around regarding the situation - and all I can manage to think of is “This could happen to any rescue under similar situations” and sadly, it does appear to be happening more and more often.

Rescues are overwhelmed. Many have closed their doors to new intakes because of the sheer number of animals already in their care. Yet the calls, emails, and surrender requests never stop. They NEVER stop. Unless you’ve stood beside us—boots on the ground, fighting in the arena of animal welfare—you truly have no idea what it’s like.

Organizations like ours are contacted daily about animals of every age, size, and story. When we say “no,” we’re met with anger and painful accusations that we don’t care—often from people who are themselves overwhelmed and struggling. When we say “yes,” we risk drowning under the weight of compassion fatigue, only to be criticized by the public for taking on too much. It often feels like a no-win situation and in the end, the animals suffer.

Many of us do our best to work together: connecting owners with fosters, potential adopters, and other organizations; offering each other empathy and understanding as we navigate the heavy responsibility of animal stewardship when others fall short. But there are also many organizations who do not have the support and resources they need to do the same, for a number of reasons. Or who struggle to open themselves up to help and support.

Whatever the circumstances are behind this particular situation - the truth is this: rescue organizations are not the problem. This is a people problem.

Overbreeding. Irresponsible ownership. The unwillingness to humanely let go of senior animals. The lack of mental health support in our country and in this particular line of work. The tendency to treat lives like disposable property. These are not rescue failures—they are societal ones.

And beneath it all lies a crisis too few are willing to acknowledge: the toll on the mental health of those doing the rescuing. We are not immune to the pain we witness daily. We are part of the system that needs healing too.

Do I condone the conditions that these animals were recently found in? ABSOLUTELY NOT

But do I understand how this could have unfolded? YES

Do I offer compassion to the human who most likely never intended to be in this situation? I DO, Because I choose to believe, whatever the circumstances, this person’s original intentions were not to cause hurt or harm. And offering compassion does not excuse the reality of the current situation.

Yes, we need strong regulations surrounding rescue organizations. But we also need stronger regulations within our animal welfare laws PERIOD. Because it’s important to remember that rescue organizations are not the root of the problem. SOCIETY IS.

And until people start acknowledging that fact, the cycle will continue.

I send so much love and support to the animals who found themselves in deplorable conditions. And to the rescue organizations and humans who have stepped up to help them.

And whether people like it or not, I also send love and sympathy to the human who found herself in, what must have felt like, a no-win situation. Because without the willingness to offer compassion, everything else is meaningless.

I hope this experience and these recent events help bring to light the reality that rescue organizations are facing. And that the public, and the rest of society, finally step up and work together in order to find solutions that will bring about Positive and Lasting Change.

Rather than sitting behind their keyboards with entitlement and passing judgement on those fighting on the ground floor.