Ingrid Newkirk's Blog
October 24, 2008
When an Animal Needs Your Help
I'm distraught. A wonderful long-time member wrote to me about three incidents she had witnessed where animals in need sought human help-and unfortunately did not always receive it. 
There were so many lessons in these stories that I wanted to share them with you.
In one of the stories, a duck with a severely mangled beak walked up to the PETA member and pressed himself against her leg, "looking for help." Not knowing what to do, our member left, went back to where she was staying and called an agency, asking it to send someone to the park to help the duck. When I read this, my heart sank. Who knows whether the agency actually went out, and if it did, whether it found the duck and did anything to help him?
The second incident was a bit better: A duck had approached our member while she was in a park, again "clearly looking for help," a hook stuck through her bill. The duck, although wild, had allowed herself to be picked up and held. Our member enlisted someone with a toolkit to help and the duck waited patiently while the hook was cut out before waddling back to her brood on the lake.
In another case, our member found herself in a rather difficult situation. While traveling in Africa, a bull entered a mud hut in the village that she was visiting. He had come there seeking human help, the owners said, because he had eaten something he shouldn't have, and his stomach was painfully distended. Such a condition can be fatal for cattle. The villagers didn't know what to do, and there was no vet around. In this tragic case, the animal did not receive the care that he needed.
In each of these cases, the animals not only needed human help but also clearly asked for it. Are you prepared if an animal in need asks you for help?
Please remember this: Always stay with an animal in need, or plant someone else's feet there while you go for help. You should never drive or walk away, just as you would never leave a lost child, hoping that someone else will answer your call later and find this distressed being. Often, that does not come to pass. When animals come to us looking for help or when we happen upon an animal in need, we must do all that we can, appointments be damned and obligations no mind, to live up to their expectations. If you aren't sure what to do and how to help, use this guide on PETAPrime.org, or call PETA any time at 757-622-7382 and dial 2 if you cannot find a solution.
Thanks.
Posted to Tags: Amazing Animals Ingrid Newkirk
Comments
Crystal says …
October 27, 2008 05:03 PM
What if the animal in question might have rabbis? What are the warning signs & what should you do? Thanks for the info. Hope the duck in the first story got good care..
Rob Halpin says …
October 27, 2008 06:45 PM
Ingrid - this is great advice and thanks so much for sharing. Too often obligations and appointments in the like might force us to view an injured animal as less of a priority; and of course they never are.
Thank you for all that you and PETA do for animals and know that there are millions of supporters standing behind you in the quest for total animal liberation.
Peace. Love. Veganism.
Shreyas says …
October 28, 2008 01:41 AM
All the instances above show that animals do look for help when they are in trouble. Incoherent they may be but dumb they are not. Calling ourselves humans, we must help anything that needs our help, be it an injured human or animal.
Jessica says …
October 28, 2008 03:24 PM
I'm not sure what to do if an animal has rabbis, but if it seems to have rabies you should avoid it, make sure any other animals (like a pet dog) avoid it, and call animal control or center for disease control. The symptoms for rabies are animals acting disoriented, foaming at the mouth, aggressive, or being out at an unusual time in an unusual place; for example, a racoon out during the day in a heavily populated area.
I hope those ducks got help. I would have tried to pick it up and take it to the vet maybe? I don't know.
Diana Otwell says …
October 30, 2008 01:40 PM
I LOVE YOU INGRID!!! YOU INSPIRE ME EVERYDAY!
I was raised rescuing animals, large & small,ALL insects included. I have raised my kids 10 & 11 to do the same. The have saved many bugs from being squashed at school & are the first students ever to have refused to be part of their science class due to sciencing on insects! I know what you mean by helping an animal anyway you can. Even if they don't make it, you have to at least try.
Two days ago my kids & I witnessed a car that ran over a 17 wk young black kitten. I stopped my car & ran to check on it. It was hit in the head pretty bad & was bleeding, but still alive & gasping for air. We rushed to our CAT DR. I told them to do what they could & that I would pay the bill. They thought it might have a chance. They did all they could, but late that night, the sweet baby died. I still cry, but at least it didn't lay on the street scared & in excruciating pain, alone. It went peacefully on a heated bed sedated with pain killers, warm & knowing someone did care! GOD BLESS ALL ANIMALS & GOD BLESS YOU!
XOXO
Allie says …
October 30, 2008 01:48 PM
I think the blog is a wonderful idea.
I also believe that a lot of people, not knowing what to do, will leave the animal and convince themseleves they will be fine. This is especailly true with wild animals.
It's nice to remind people of the appropriate direction to take in these situations.
Kindest Regards,
Allie
MaKenzie Leonard says …
October 31, 2008 01:38 PM
Ingrid, I must say bravo on leading such a strong lifestyle of PETA. Although i must say I'm a little bit confussed on whether i should lead a PETA lifestyle....please help me out...and post you're thoughts. thank you
Marvin Soward says …
October 31, 2008 04:04 PM
I live in San Antonio, Texas and the number of stray dogs in unbelievable. I rescued a 10 week mixed breed puppy about two weeks ago. It was skin and bones, had fleas,ticks you name it. Fortunately we found her on time and took care of her and got her ready for adoption.I convinced my dad to adpot her as i got attached to her and did not want to loose her completely. She is doing great now. My question is what are some responsible agencies in San Antonio that care of situations like this? What programs are in place to educate people that an animal is not an object, therefore should really think before getting one. I think that lack of education is the biggest factor, if we teach our kids of today to love and care for nature and animals we will be a better world. I appreciate fighting giants like Giorgio Armani and other miserable companies but if we hurt their market and future market we will have no need to fight them, as the demand will drive them to right thing.
Gina says …
October 31, 2008 05:00 PM
You are such an inspiration Ms. Newkirk. I visited my son for a month. He & his wife use crating as a convenient method to 'punish', 'train' and put their dogs to sleep overnight. I was very distraught over what I consider mistreatment of their 2 loving dogs. I thought about what you would do in such a situation. Be silent or speak up-I decided to speak up in a polite but informed manner & now that I'm home I sent them a "What's Wrong With Crating" leaflet and other training info methods from helping animals.com. I know you would not have been silent even at the risk of your son taking it as an insult. thanks for making me a more compassionate & braver animal rights advocate.
And I agree, you should always be prepared to stop & help any animal in distress. Don't be like the majority who drive off, walk off thinking someone else will pick up a dog lost & wandering on a highway, or any other animal in need.
Alexandra Shea says …
November 1, 2008 07:00 AM
This was so inspirational. Thank you so much for teaching the world about how important animal liberation is. I will be checking back soon! :)
Wanda Perry says …
November 3, 2008 10:17 AM
We live in the middle of one of the most popular hunting and fishing areas in the U.S.A. This summer my daughter,Brandie and her husband, Dave, found a wild bird hanging upside down,from a bridge, tangled up in fishing line. They took the time to carefully unwrap the fishing line from the bird, and set him/her free. This bird would of died without their help.
I have another story, this winter, my son Dustin came home, and told us about a wild cat that fell into an outside toilet that Game and Fish were responsible for. No one knew what to do, my husband suggested that they get a board, set it in the hole and the cat would climb out.Knowing I would never rest until the cat was safe, my husband grabbed a board and said ""Let's go". the cat was frightened, we had to leave, so it would come out. I need to add that Game and Fish came while we were there. Another happy ending.
My family are not animal activists as I am, but they do care about animals. I am proud of the love and compassion they have for animals. Forgive me for bragging......
Shelly Atkinson says …
November 3, 2008 03:00 PM
Hello! I would love to become involved with Peta through my artwork. Does Peta ever require artwork for posters, invites, or cards? If so....I am open for donating something to be reproduced to help raise money!
Shelly
Rebecca says …
November 3, 2008 04:42 PM
Thanks for posting this blog. It has made me feel a little bit better knowing that other people feel compassion towards animals as I do. I am in an especially trying situation now, as I currently live in a developing country, and have to witness so much animal abuse and abandonment: seeing dozens of starving cats and dogs in the street is an everyday occurrence, and it breaks my heart. Compounding the problem, people here have no concept of animal rights, or even the thought that animals should not be tortured and abused.
Jen says …
November 4, 2008 12:38 PM
I have a dilemma. I frequently stop for stray dogs on the road but they usually run away. So far none of them has been killed but I am terrified of causing their death. So I no longer stop on busy roads. I recently picked up a kitten which someone had hit and I managed to get someone's lost dog into my car another time...but mostly, I make the heart-breaking decision to leave them, rather than to risk the dog running away and getting killed. Any suggestions?
jamie says …
November 4, 2008 07:41 PM
these stories almost made me crie. how could she just leave the duck? what if it never got help...i dont get how people can just stand to see that, animals are living things too!
Bridget Pilloud says …
November 6, 2008 04:53 PM
Ingrid-
Thank you for this. When animals bring up the courage to ask for help, we have to be there for them, whether it's a wild duck or our own pets.
I talk with pets often who have been in similar situations, and they are so grateful.
Thank you for everything you do!
Bridget Pilloud
Bonnie says …
November 6, 2008 06:17 PM
Bless you Ingrid. I have plugged into my cellphone many telephone numbers of animal care agencies, and I always help when an animal asks. Thank you for spreading the message.
And I hope that you will be meeting with Barack Obama to brief him on animal issues -- such as what the United States can do to help animals from sea to sea.
Again, bless you.
Jenny says …
November 6, 2008 10:26 PM
Yes animals DO look to us for assistance. I have 3 cats. Whenever my cats are not feeling well or something is bothering them, they come find momma (me). I found a chicken wandering along side a road one day and when I opened my car door, it hopped inside! I took it home and fed it until I could place it in a better environment. I have been rescuing animals since I was a child. I don't understand people who ignore them or don't seem to care. How can we expect to change our world around us if we don't have compassion and reverence for ALL living things?
Karen Z says …
November 7, 2008 07:57 AM
This week I was driving to work at 6:30 a.m. on a busy 2-lane road when I ran into a roadblock. A few cars ahead, I saw a group of turkeys in the road, looking frightened, blocking the road. Well I put my car in neutral, got out, and became turkey mama when I herded the turkeys off the road. I then pulled my car off the road, and knocked on the door of the nearest house, asking if it was their turkeys. The older couple said no they are wild, but I waited until they got some food to distract the turkeys, since they wanted to keep following me! I got to work late, but I didn't care, those babies needed my help! I did the same a while back for a snapping turtle trying to cross a busy street - I stopped traffic, grabbed a big branch, let the turtle grab the branch in its beak, and I pulled it to safety. Also I usually stop and drag animals off the road that have been hit, to allow them some dignity. I am a true animal lover and I'm like a mother bear with my two dogs and cat. I love you Ingrid, I wish I could work for PETA and have some passion for my work!!
Beverly Whelan says …
November 7, 2008 12:30 PM
I keep an orange vest, a flashlight and an orange flag in my car, along with cat and dog food. When I see animals attempting to cross, I don the vest and wave the flag until they are safe. Mine is an official vest from the dept. of transportation, but you can simply make one from an old shirt. Cut off the sleeves and dye it a bright color. The flag is just a piece of material I bought from the fabric store and stapled to an old broomstick. Drivers can see you easily before an accident happens and they always stop.
Lucia says …
November 7, 2008 02:29 PM
My name is Lucia, and I live in Spain. I live with mi dog,Jacko, and I love every animals. Since one years, thanks to PETA, I am vegetarian, and I'm very happy. In this moment is unthinkable for me eat meet, fish and other food with life. Now, I'm very happy with my new life, and I think that is possible coexist with other alive beings in harmony. Thanks Ingrid, and king regards.
Charlotte Bostr�m says …
November 7, 2008 04:25 PM
Dear Ingrid
You are a very brave and wonderful person who do so many good things for the animals. THANKYOU SO MUCH !!!
I use to watch the TV programs .... Animal cops and it`s really terrible to know that so many people out there hurt innocent animals.
Thank you again !
Have a nice time
and God bless you, Ingrid.
Charlotte Bostr�m
Sweden
Penelope Bassett-Scarfe says …
November 9, 2008 03:37 PM
Animals save humans and are aware of the needs of other animals. Just the other day I heard about a rabbit that saved it's carers from a burning house, then a dog that did the same thing, and alerted his carer to the fire in the other part of the house. A small Jack Russell dog stayed with kittens in a burning house untill the kittens were rescued, the dog almost died but was revived by the fire fighters. A buffalo in Indonesia threw itself over the top of a well to stop the carer falling into it, and so many things that animals do for us. It's time that people became really aware - that means all of us - not just some of us, that animals contribute so much to humanity and even give up their lives to save us. They are our co inhabitants here to colour our world.
Animals feel pain, anxiety, love,and all the emotions that we humans do. It's time to consider and wake up to the messages they are giving us. And if they are hurting and they need our help then it's our noble duty to assist them and treat and attend to them the same way you would to a fellow human being.
I heard something the other day that rang true for me, animals are Angels.
sincerely
Penelope
Australia
Janna says …
April 8, 2009 02:09 PM
Hello Ingrid~
Thank you for all that you do! Your work as well as your staff are an inspiration.
I have one question about PETA's marketing techniques. Since it's well known in the advertising world that if a message is too extreme, too disturbing people go numb to it in order to deal with the reality.
With that being known, why doesn't PETA use softer messaging tactics to get the point across? As a marketing professional for ten years and a supporter, I feel it would be much more effective to reach the a broader audience.
Thank you,
Janna
Heidi Liebwein says …
April 11, 2009 12:22 AM
Thank you so much for that ad you ran on t.v. in Delaware after Biden got his puppy. It might be radical, but radical works and only you could pull that off. You are such a blessing for the animals and guaranteed I will be doing a charitable gift trust for Peta. You are such an asset to society and for the animals. I thank your parents for you being born.
Susan Ballarini says …
April 17, 2009 05:49 PM
I really think this is as constructive as one can get on this topic.
SAVE OUR ARCTIC REGION!
Susan Ballarini says …
April 18, 2009 02:58 PM
Helping animals is a habit with me, there is no longer a question as to whether or not I should stop and render aid, I just do it. I regularly stop traffic and pick someone up or just let them cross safely. I pick up dogs and cats and turtles and birds, armadillos and lizards and a tarantula, mice and insects and snails, baby wild animals such as opossums and badgers that I find in the street who need an angel, and I figure that this is what God had planned for me to do today; there may not be another caring soul to pass this way in time to help. Each time I do this and someone sees me, I am providing that person a model of helping behavior toward animals. People usually need to see someone else do something before they will try it, that is just human nature. As spirits in a human form, we can ALL be the hero we are looking for; and we MUST.
James Kittell says …
May 19, 2009 04:58 AM
I don't have expertise in ad. But, I was thinking of a new impact from your ad campaign with a photo of scary-looking animals with a subtitle, "We know we can't speak... Can we just be friends?"
Imagine that when a worker driving home from a cow slaughterhouse, he spots your billboard – group of distraught cows with the line, "We know we can't speak... Can we just be friends?"
He would chuckle and later end up millions of thoughts. Isn’t that classic?
No? Later... :(
Justin says …
July 8, 2009 01:13 AM
Hi,I just have some things to say,That you are such an amazing person for caring for every type of animal and trying to stop animal abuse,Im so happy that finally someone Is trying to help helpless animals who get harmed and killed everyday for doing nothing,thank you for caring:)