Two rescue organizations- Strong Island Animal Rescue League and North Fork Country Kids: Rescue and Preservation Through Pedagogy- both of which have been boots on the ground in the rescue operations following the tragic fire at Happy Cat Sanctuary have issued powerful public statements in the last 24 hours.

Strong Island Animal Rescue League has responded to claims made by the leadership of Happy Cat Sanctuary that they have not turned over their funds that were raised to care for the cats they rescued. Their statement can be read here.

Virginia Scudder, president and founder of North Fork Country Kids: Rescue and Preservation Through Pedagogy has issued a statement indicating that her rescue has been forced to shoulder the entirety of the financial burden that they have incurred to properly care for the 8 cats they rescued from the fire. Her statement can be read here.

From the very beginning of the rescue efforts following the fire, we have believed that a mutual aid response—driven by compassionate individuals and rescue organizations across Long Island and beyond—was not only appropriate, but essential. Instead, recovery efforts have been met with secrecy and resistance from a small group of individuals who have repeatedly neglected the cats in their care and refused to accept help from outside organizations.

However, it is not too late. We still believe in the power of collaboration and teamwork. This is your chance to support a valuable organization that has been on the ground since day one.

You can donate to help North Fork Country Kids alleviate their debt to continue the valuable work they do day in and day out via Facebook or:

PayPal: northforkcountrykidsrpp@gmail.com
Venmo: @northforkcountrykids

Thank you for your continued support for our mission. Together we can make a difference.