It's no news that Hellenes are animal lovers and try to help as much as they can. We have been donating to cat and dog shelters for years and will continue to do so. But since there are so many cool projects that deserve our attention and yours, we decided it was time to introduce and support two more of them - Pigeons in Need and Rabbits and Rodents in Need.
Starting on Friday, March 17, 2023, when Mirka will inject the benefit piercings, we are adding them to the list of projects that Hell supports. Get acquainted!
PIGEONS IN DISTRESS Z.S.
The moment pigeons ceased to be essential to human society, many released their domestic pigeons into the world to relieve themselves of the responsibility of caring for them. Thus were born the semi-wild, uncontrollably multiplying flocks of pigeons that cities seek to eliminate through cruel and ineffective extermination. Pigeons are trapped in cages where they starve to death or are gassed to death. In addition to being cruel, this practice is also ineffective - it only leads to rejuvenation of the flock, not population control. Because of their domestication, pigeons are not considered a classically wild animal species and therefore do not fall under the care of rescue stations, nor are pet shelters equipped to care for them. Man has thus cast them in the role of an enemy against whom a senseless war is being waged - both physical and informational.
Although the homing pigeon inhabits towns and villages along with us, it is not exactly on a bed of roses next to humans. At best, as a species, it is ignored, at worst abused and systematically destroyed. It is seen as synonymous with filth and disease. Wrongly so. The pigeon is an intelligent and clean animal and deserves our help.
The homing pigeon is - as its name suggests - a domesticated offspring of the rock pigeon. It has come a long way with man, and the origins of its domestication date back to around six thousand years ago. Apart from its economic use, the pigeon has also found its application in the intelligence and postal services and, surprisingly, in the military. In addition, it has become a symbol and sacred animal of many religions.
The Pigeons in Need Society, in addition to actively helping injured pigeons, is trying to build an independent rescue station for these neglected birds and is trying to popularize and implement the concept of urban pigeon coops, which are the only effective and humane method of controlling and recovering the pigeon population. The pigeon house will provide injured birds with the necessary veterinary care and orphaned chicks with a home. By not releasing them back into the uncontrolled urban environment and replacing their eggs with artificial ones, the pigeons will be eliminated from certain undesirable locations such as landmarks, ledges and building parapets.
Check out their instagram, facebook and website where you can learn more about their work and support them!
RABBITS AND RODENTS IN DISTRESS Z.S.
A small child who is noisy and wants to cuddle the rabbit at all costs is a nightmare for the tiny creature. The animal is frightened and the child is disappointed that the pet is hiding from him. At this stage, children usually lose interest in the rabbit or redouble their efforts and sooner or later the stressed rabbit cannot stand the pressure and bites its owner. The children themselves are not to blame, but the parents who have not explained to them how to treat the rabbit. At best, the animal ends up in an asylum, at worst it is released into the countryside or even on a housing estate. In the vast majority of cases, a domesticated animal released into the world dies.
Another reason why rabbits (but also small rodents) end up in the shelter is veterinary expenses. Even small animals can be a financial burden and not all owners are prepared for this. Pets are also abandoned for reasons such as changing jobs or moving.
Unlike pigeons, which suffer from having a bad reputation, rabbits, paradoxically, do not get paid for their cuteness. Their appearance resembles that of a cuddly toy, and so parents often buy them in the expectation that they will make ideal cuddly companions for their young children. At the same time, they expect that they do not live very long and that caring for them is not as time-consuming and costly as, for example, caring for a cat or a dog. This is not true.
Rabbits live to an average age of 8-12 years and their care has its own specifics, which owners are often not prepared for. The rabbit is an inherently fearful animal - as a small herbivore, it is prey to many predators in the wild and its only defence is vigilance and quick flight from danger. Although dwarf rabbits are domesticated, these instincts survive in them.
The Rabbits and Rodents in Need Shelter helps often neglected animals. While dogs or cats in need are cared for by shelters and many other organizations, small mammals like rabbits and rodents have a hard time finding shelter. The necessary equipment, time and experience are usually lacking. They offer abandoned, abused and handicapped animals temporary housing, provide veterinary care and socialization, and find loving homes. They also work with other shelters and organizations to bring the issue of unwanted rabbits and rodents to the attention of the general public.
Check out their website and FB group where you can learn more about their work, support them financially or adopt an abandoned pet. Rabbits and small rodents make great pets when you take care of them right!
