J & R Aquatic Animal Rescue Expands Surrender Events to Lancaster
Life happens, we get new jobs, kids, new relationships, and sometimes we have to find a home for our animals,
said John Moyles, director of J & R Aquatic Animal Rescue. Life changes prompted the Wisconsin-based rescue to travel across state lines to Lancaster, just across the Iowa border, to give owners of unwanted exotic pets a safe place to surrender their animals, KCRG reported.
The rescue has taken in more than 14,000 animals. Moyles noted that circumstances often change for pet owners even after years of care. One prominent example is a turtle named Big Dude,
who became a familiar presence at surrender events after his owners cared for him for 30 years before retiring and purchasing an RV.
Quarantine and Adoption Process in Neenah
Saturday’s event in Lancaster resulted in two surrenders: a red-eared slider turtle and a bristle nose Pleco fish. Moyles explained that surrendered animals are transported back to the shelter in Neenah, Wisconsin. Once there, they are quarantined and evaluated before placing them up for adoption.
The traveling surrender option aims to prevent owners from releasing exotic pets on their own. It’s a relief, because a lot of times people don’t have resources for their unwanted exotic pets,
Moyles said.
Rescue partners with association to educate public
Grace Martin with the Upper Sugar River Watershed Association partners with the rescue to educate the public about aquatic invasive species. Surrender opportunities like these give people a chance to give the animals up in a safe and controlled way,
Martin said.
By providing structured drop-off locations, the rescue offers a practical alternative to releasing pets on their own.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exotic Pet Surrender
What happens to animals immediately after they are surrendered?
Animals dropped off at surrender events are transported back to the shelter facility in Neenah, Wisconsin. They are quarantined and evaluated before listing them for adoption.
Which specific animals were surrendered at the Lancaster event?
Owners surrendered two animals during the Saturday event in Lancaster: a red-eared slider turtle and a bristle nose Pleco fish.
Who partners with the rescue to provide public education?
Grace Martin with the Upper Sugar River Watershed Association partners with the rescue to educate the public on aquatic invasive species.
How many total animals has the organization rescued?
J & R Aquatic Animal Rescue has rescued more than 14,000 animals.
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