In a recent Instagram video shared by AjaNikiya Estro, the harsh reality of animal neglect and cruelty has once again come to the forefront. Estro’s video showcases her emotional journey while investigating a derelict and filthy house in Juncos, Puerto Rico, where she uncovered a heart-wrenching scene. The abandoned house was a nightmarish prison for multiple cats and dogs, left starving and emaciated in tiny cages.
Estro’s journey to this heartbreaking discovery began during her efforts to deliver supplies to a community in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in 2017. She heard the cries of a distressed dog from inside her van and immediately pulled over to investigate. What she encountered was beyond comprehension – a dilapidated home, barely standing, with cages and crates of starving animals scattered throughout. These animals were trapped in small, wire-secured cages, unable to escape or find relief from their suffering.
The conditions these animals endured before and after the hurricane were unimaginable. The daily abuse they experienced, followed by surviving a Category 4 hurricane while confined in cages, must have been a terrifying and agonizing ordeal. AjaNikiya Estro’s encounter with these animals serves as a stark reminder of the importance of rescue efforts for animals in distress.
Statistics from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals reveal that 6.3 million pets are surrendered to U.S. shelters each year. This averages to about 17,260 animals a day. In January 2023, 46,807 dogs and cats were taken into pet shelters, marking an increase of 1,744 compared to January 2022, according to the 24Pet ‘Shelter Watch Report.’ Tragically, approximately 920,000 surrendered animals are euthanized annually. Animal shelters are working tirelessly to reduce euthanasia rates through adoption campaigns, spaying and neutering programs, and behavior rehabilitation.
In the face of this distressing reality, AjaNikiya Estro’s heroic actions shine brightly. She rescued a total of 14 animals from the dire circumstances she discovered – six dogs and eight cats, all emaciated, scared, and suffering from various injuries. Some of the animals had difficulty walking due to their confinement in tiny crates.
Transporting these rescued animals proved to be a challenging endeavor for Estro, as she had no means of transportation. With determination, she and her team sought help from a neighbor who lent them a truck for the task. They set out to locate an abandoned animal shelter where the animals could find temporary refuge. This endeavor was not without its challenges, as Estro encountered the owner of the abandoned shelter, known for abusive practices towards the animals in her care.
We encourage everyone thinking of getting a pet to adopt instead of shop. Read more resources about adopting animals on One Green Planet, including 7 Reasons to Adopt Your Next Furry Best Friend, 5 Reasons Why Everyone Should Adopt a Pet, and These Heartwarming Before and After Pictures of Adopted Rescue Animals Will Make Your Day! Read tips for pet adoptions and what to consider before adopting an animal. We recommend using these apps to find shelter dogs near you!
Best Things In Life Are Rescued by Tiny Rescue: Animal Collection
Related Content:
Easy Ways to Help the Planet:
- Eat Less Meat: Download Food Monster, the largest plant-based Recipe app on the App Store, to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy. You can also buy a hard or soft copy of our favorite vegan cookbooks.
- Reduce Your Fast Fashion Footprint: Take initiative by standing up against fast fashion Pollution and supporting sustainable and circular brands like Tiny Rescue that raise awareness around important issues through recycled zero-waste clothing designed to be returned and remade repeatedly.
- Support Independent Media: Being publicly funded gives us a greater chance to continue providing you with high-quality content. Please consider supporting us by donating!
- Sign a Petition: Your voice matters! Help turn petitions into victories by signing the latest list of must-sign petitions to help people, animals, and the planet.
- Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest news and important stories involving animals, the environment, sustainable living, food, health, and human interest topics by subscribing to our newsletter!
- Do What You Can: Reduce waste, plant trees, eat local, travel responsibly, reuse stuff, say no to single-use plastics, recycle, vote smart, switch to cold water laundry, divest from fossil fuels, save water, shop wisely, Donate if you can, grow your food, volunteer, conserve energy, compost, and don’t forget about the microplastics and microbeads lurking in common household and personal care products!
