New Program Encourages Oklahoma Residents to Help Abused Animals

In Wagoner County, Oklahoma, animals rescued from abuse or neglect will soon receive vital community Support through a new initiative called the Badges and Paws Program. This program, spearheaded by Casey Rivers of the Wagoner County Sheriff’s Office, aims to place seized animals into foster homes with compassionate volunteers.

The sheriff’s office frequently receives calls about animal abuse and neglect but lacks the resources to care for the animals once they are removed from harmful situations. “We don’t have anywhere to put them; the rescues are full,” Rivers explained to local news.

The Badges and Paws Program invites community members to volunteer as foster guardians, providing temporary homes and care for animals in need. Volunteers will also help coordinate emergency responses to abuse cases, including scheduling veterinary appointments and arranging transportation. This initiative is expected to significantly reduce the burden on local rescues, which are often overwhelmed and unable to take in more animals. Typically, animals rescued from abuse wait several days for necessary shelter and care. The Badges and Paws Program will enable quicker responses, ensuring that animals receive immediate assistance.

Foster volunteers will play a crucial role in the recovery of traumatized animals, offering them a calm and supportive environment to rebuild trust and recover. This individualized care can help animals heal faster and find their permanent homes more quickly.

The program isn’t limited to dogs and cats. It will also seek foster homes for horses, cows, and other animals that traditional rescue shelters may not be equipped to accommodate.

To Support these efforts, the sheriff’s office is setting up an account for tax-deductible financial donations and establishing collection points for food, bedding, medical supplies, and other necessities for fostered animals. The Wagoner County Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #228 has already contributed $500 to kickstart the program.

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