09/13/2024
Sometimes, it just doesn’t matter whether you vote red, blue, whatever.
Right now, we are watching, not only as brothers, sisters, mothers, children, neighbors, COMMUNITY; but AS A WORLD, what can happen when we let hate rule our brain, mouth, and heart.
There truly are amazing, kind, and genuine people in Springfield, Ohio. Ones that do not let fear rule their lives.
Unfortunately, there are also those who choose to let their ignorance and fear run rampant, and not only that, SPREAD it to all who will lend an ear.
Pets; cats, dogs, etc., are not being targeted, hunted, and/or eaten in Springfield, Ohio. This is false information, literally MADE UP, and couldn’t be further from the truth. Loud voices full of hate and lies have utilized social media, the NEWS, friend groups, and more to just flat-out TARGET Haitians in the community, and furthermore, POC in general.
These individuals, who just keep yelling and screaming about “the pets” becoming food (and more; taking jobs, housing etc.) are the same people who get scared when a POC enter a gas station. Or look at them on the street. Or attempt to ask directions.
The truth is, there is a huge stray, unwanted, and owned animal issue in Springfield. Owners find themselves in a situation where maybe their dog/cat is injured and they can’t afford the vet bill, or maybe their animal had an unwanted litter, maybe the animal just isn’t working out, or is aggressive. There are extremely LIMITED resources for the residents of Clark County in owned animal situations.
So, owners think the only option is to let their animal go. Maybe it will find a good home, they never are hoping for the worst. They hope their animal has that storybook ending of anything better than what was happening or WOULD happen in the owner’s mind if they kept them.
Mostly, the above scenario is for canines in the county. But there is a very real problem with the cat population as well. Dealing with feral and/or stray cats is not for the weak. It is endless, expensive, dangerous, and thankless. Rescues do what they can to help cat communities, and private citizens try to help care for cat colonies that are established and pay for their food, medical, etc., themselves.
But again, there are LIMITED resources. For cats in Clark County, there are almost NONE. So, rescues raise money, as much as they can, often with little luck. They post on social media, tirelessly for people to sponsor their spays/neuters/adoptions/food, donate to their general fund, foster, SHARE. ANYTHING to help any of their costs so they can continue the seemingly endless fight.
THEN, something like what is going on now happens. The whole world is looking at us! And all they can think or see is: WHAT a wild and RIDICULOUS place, and they either BELIEVE the lies that pets are being consumed, or they just can’t believe that a community (because outsiders looking in ARE lumping us together) would actually believe what is being said.
What they aren’t seeing is YOU. The caring, genuine person, who believes we are all in this together. They aren’t seeing the REAL problem with the animals of Clark County. The overcrowded shelters, the rescues out of fosters, the people who just don’t have another cent to buy food for their cat colony. They don't see that Springfield is NOT the hate filled center of the universe.
It is unacceptable that our community is dangerous for Haitians. It is unacceptable that our community is dangerous for POC. It is unacceptable that our community is dangerous for our goverment employees.
The hate is just SO loud.
But you know what? WE CAN BE LOUD TOO. Not only for the animal community, but for the PEOPLE who are directly being targeted and flat out put in harms way with the racist lies and agenda being pushed. BE LOUD FOR THE HAITIANS AND POC IN YOUR AREA. Speak up and educate. BE LOUD FOR THE ANIMALS IN YOUR AREA. Speak up. EDUCATE. Our community of pets and our PEOPLE need to feel safe, need to be uplifted, and feel like the SQUAWKING from the racists is few and far between the LOVE and PEACE they feel from us.
Do not let this hate spread all over Ohio. Ohio has had hate flying for long ENOUGH.
You've had enough. We've had enough. LOVE IS LOUDER ANYWAY.
We are releasing shirts for purchase with Feral Hoss. They make a bold statement on the front. And on the back, list out direct resources in the area for YOU to help (I’m sure the list will grow, so stay tuned on that!). Proceeds from these shirts will go two places: divided between all rescues/resources for the animals of Clark County, and directly to support assistance with the Haitian community that are being impacted NOW.
Feral HOSS will be going live this morning around 7 AM to go over our statement, how you can help, and more! Bring yourself, your questions, and plan to HELP
