ALBION, Ind. (ADAMS) – You can help the Black Pine Animal Sanctuary with a special match, making every dollar go further.
Sanctuary representatives say that W. Paul Wolf, an Avilla native and retired Fort Wayne banker, has pledged to match all donations dollar for dollar, up to $125,000, to complete the buildout of the new fox habitats at Black Pine Animal Sanctuary.
After the closure of a “fur farm” in Ashtabula County, Ohio, foxes, raccoons, wolf-dog hybrids, skunks, opossums, and coyotes were recovered. They were living in wire-bottom cages with little to no protection from frigid winters and sweltering summers.
Some of the animals had missing toes, ears, tails, and limbs. Veterinarians determined that the missing toes were likely due to the cages’ wire flooring, while the missing limbs and paws were likely due to having been caught in steel-jawed leghold traps found around the property. The animals were being slaughtered for fur, were bred for sale as exotic pets, and were held captive for urine farming.
And to accommodate these foxes, as well as potential future residents, Black Pine is asking for the community’s help to construct new fox habitats.
Sanctuary representatives released the following:
“As a refuge for captive-raised exotic animals of all kinds, Black Pine Animal Sanctuary must step up to raise awareness about ongoing animal cruelty in for-profit businesses, both in Indiana and across the country. Sanctuaries are continuously overwhelmed by not only the exotic pet trade, but issues such as this one,” said Amanda Plank, executive director of Black Pine Animal Sanctuary.
The rescue of these animals made headlines across the nation earlier this year, and Black Pine Animal Sanctuary has volunteered to be the permanent home for the remaining foxes.
“This is one of the most horrific situations I have ever seen — the terror and pain was palpable,” said Adam Parascandola, vice president of Humane World for Animal’s Rescue Team. “Our team is exposed to immense cruelty in the criminal cases we regularly respond to, like dogfighting and severe neglect. Yet this stands out both in terms of suffering and because of these fur farming practices. It’s haunting.”
The remaining foxes coming to Black Pine Animal Sanctuary will benefit from the organization’s next project: The new habitats will house up to 18 foxes, each with indoor and outdoor areas suited for all Indiana seasons. W. Paul Wolf, an Avilla native and retired Fort Wayne banker, has pledged to match all donations dollar for dollar, up to $125,000, to complete the buildout of the new fox habitats at Black Pine Animal Sanctuary.
To help the incoming residents, donations can be made HERE
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