An organization composed of ‘intimidating’ bikers are proving to the world that a book should never be judged by its cover.
Seeing bikers with their tough-looking tattoos, large physique, and multiple piercings can evoke an inevitable reaction from most of us – fear. To have that kind of response by merely catching sight of a guy with a big motorcycle is completely irrational, but I guess movies are partly to blame, because these men often play the villain in several mainstream films that we see.
But an organization whose membership is mostly composed of these “intimidating” bikers are breaking these stereotypes.
Rescue Ink is a “non-profit 501c3 organization which exists for the advocacy of and protection of all animals”. Originated from a group of volunteers in New York, their members are made up of bikers, ex-bodybuilders, powerlifting champions, former military personnel, police detectives, and lawyers.
“Some people like to think of us as superheroes. The truth is, we are super animal lovers (and protectors). Through the years, and through many caseloads, obstacles and downright challenges, we remain strong and dedicated to our mission,” Rescue Ink wrote on their website.
Their work depended mostly on donations, and they have cooperated with the police and other public organizations in their mission of protecting animals from abuse.
In a day, the team receives around 1,000 to 3,000 emails from different people around the world and about 250 calls.
They’ve saved dogs, cats, horses, chickens, pigs, and fish since they were established. They even had to save a 5-foot boa constrictor one time!
In an interview with The New York Times, the bikers shared that they’ve encountered different situations during their rescues. Other people sold purebred dogs to collect money for drugs, others organized dog fights, and some even attempted to poison homeless cats near their house.
Rescue Ink is aware of their limits – they only investigate animal abuse and if they find a criminal, they forward the rest of the work to the police. If a pet owner neglected their dog, they would build a doghouse or provide help in some other way.
These bikers have done many heroic deeds for the animals. One member of the group spent 1.5 weeks carrying a small kitten with him everywhere because the feline needed to be fed every few hours, while another saved a duck by going into a pond near a sewer. With these actions, Rescue Ink proved that though they may not look like it, they have big hearts for all animals.
The organization has also made it their mission to teach adults and children that animal abuse is wrong and dangerous. They believe that animal abuse is sometimes the first step for violent people. When they aren’t sanctioned for their wrongdoings, the feel more confident to do bigger abuses towards humans, which is part of the reason why it is so important to prevent all cases of animal abuse.
In an interview with People, the group explained that their appearance is sometimes a tool that they can use to their advantage when it comes to discussing matters with cruel pet owners.
“Let’s just say an official goes to an abuser’s house, he pulls up in a cop car and, immediately the abuser knows the cop’s limitations, he has certain boundaries. But when we pull up, they don’t know what we’re going to do, they don’t know what we’re capable of doing. So it helps out big time.”
Watch the video below to witness one of this organization’s awesome rescues.
What an incredible group of men! They surely make this world a better place to live for all living beings – most especially animals.