GLOCESTER – A Glocester group that rescues bobcats is getting help through the Program for Animal Welfare at the Rhode Island Foundation.
Rustic Acres Wildcat Rescue received a grant to install an HVAC system in the organization’s new on-site medical clinic. The organization cares for unadoptable domestic cats with medical needs and disabilities as well as non-releasable bobcats.
“The fully equipped space where our veterinarian can provide routine and emergency care will be a game changer,” said Karle Busse, executive director of the town-based non-profit. “Bobcats must be sedated when being transported, which becomes an additional risk and a great deal of stress for animals that are already extremely high strung.”
“By building this clinic and having volunteer, skilled clinicians who can treat almost anything at our location,” Busse added. “This avoids the danger of transport.”
Rustic Acres provides lifetime care to unreleasable wildcats and those who were illegally owned or seized, and would otherwise be euthanized. The no-contact sanctuary notes on its website that it never buys, breeds, or sells animals, and that its mission is to educate the public that while these animals are beautiful, they are not pets. The volunteer staff does not touch or pet the wild cats, and also cares for a number of domestic cats who were discarded or have disabilities.
This is the second grant the Foundation has awarded to the Glocester-based group. An earlier grant paid for medical equipment to provide on-site care to the bobcats that are housed at the facility.
“The fully equipped space where our veterinarian can provide routine and emergency care is a game changer. Bobcats must be sedated when being transported, which becomes an additional risk and a great deal of stress for animals that are already extremely high strung,” said Busse.
Donors have established a number of special funds at the Foundation that relate to the humane treatment of animals. Collectively, these funds enable the Foundation to support animal welfare groups through its PAW program, noted a release on the award.
“We could not offer this help without the generous support of the donors who establish funds with us for this purpose. Their generosity – together with the dedication of our community partners– is improving care for animals,” said David Cicilline, the Foundation’s president and CEO.
In addition to helping Rustic, the Foundation notes it awarded similar grants to dozens of nonprofits across the state to support uses ranging from providing low-cost vet care for pets in low-income households, to preparing animals for adoption and offering humane education programs.
“The delight that pets bring to our lives carries over into our own health and well-being. Keeping pets healthy and preparing animals for adoption are just more ways the Foundation supports healthy communities,” said Cicilline.
The Rhode Island Foundation is the largest and most comprehensive funder of nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island according to a release from the organization.
“Through civic leadership, fundraising and grant-making activities, often in partnership with individuals and organizations, the Foundation is improving the lives of all Rhode Islanders,” it noted.
For more information, visit rifoundation.org.
