Protecting our four-legged friends

I've been raising llamas since 1986. There are 75 llamas and one alpaca in my fields. Twenty percent of them are "rescues." They are animals we have given a home to that were either destined for an untimely end, had owners that had died or had become too ill to care for them, or animals with no breeding value re-homed due to retirement. 

Fortunately, llamas are fairly easy keepers....   But still they require some attention.

That is why so many in the llama industry have been shaken to the core with the closing of the Montana Large Animal Rescue and Sanctuary. MLARS was thought to be the safety net for aging llama owners. But the funds ran out, animals were left to fend for themselves, pregnant females went unchecked, their male offspring were never castrated... and they warned no one that the sanctuary was crashing to the ground.

Folks from across the country have rallied to save the animals from "sanctuary." Rescue outfits across the country have worked hard to save and relocate as many as possible before it was too late (over 600 made it!).  These groups could use a pat on the shoulder if not a monetary donation. I'm sure the coffers have been severely reduced.  Here are a few that have answered the call to arms:

Southeast Llama Rescue

Northeast Llama Rescue

Camelid Rescue Coalition

Animeals

LANA Lifeline

Thank you to everyone who aided in the effort and to the scores who have opened their barns to the llamas in need.