Animal rescue group needs volunteers
Island Rescue Organization (IRO), a Cebu based non-profit animal rescue group, has recently secured a lease for a new plot of land in Talamban and will soon be relocating its many canine and feline residents from their current site in Danao and The Pit Bull Rehabilitation Centre to their new home.
Before IRO can begin to start moving their animals to the new site, the area will first need to be prepared with some landscaping work and IRO is appealing to the community for assistance with this work.
“Although we love our new location that is surrounded by nature, we will need to clear some trees, plants and shrubs from the area to prepare the site where the animals will be housed. We will not only need the tools and equipment to do this but people to assist us with the work,” says IRO President Annalyn Aizpuru.
Preparations for the new site are expected to start later this month and anyone who is able to help with providing funding, equipment, tools or volunteer their time is encouraged to contact IRO at 09236084063and 09322826312 or via their Facebook page Island Rescue Organization.
“We want to build an animal shelter that will make the community proud and somewhere they look forward to visiting and spending time with our rescue animals,” says Aizpuru.
IRO was founded in February 2010 and is dedicated to helping the plight of animals in the region through rescue, education and advocacy. With over 150 animals currently in its care, IRO is run solely by a team of volunteers who ensure the animals are given the necessary care and attention while they await adoption. All funding for the shelter is provided by donations from the public, something IRO is incredibly grateful for.
“Without the on-going support and generosity of the community and our supporters locally, nationally and internationally, we just could not continue to operate,” says IRO President Annalyn Aizpuru.
The move to its new location in Talamban will not only make the shelter more accessible for potential adopters to visit and meet the animals but for volunteers to spend time with the animals, providing them with the opportunity for socialization which can significantly boost their adoption prospects, says Aizpuru.
“We do our best to ensure the animals are provided with the basics such as food, water, shelter and medical care but it is also very important to make sure the animals’ behavioral needs are met too and this is where our volunteers can really help us. Whether it’s walking the dogs, playing with them or just sitting with them to provide companionship, every little bit helps.”