Bikers tend to have a rather bad reputation. That is especially true if they are covered with tattoos and look like you definitely would not want to meet them in a dark alley. Then again, underneath all the tattoos, leather and the rough exterior, there sometimes beats a heart of gold. That may be the case with these bikers who may look intimidating but they are saving many animals in the United States.
The bikers investigate any reports that they hear of animal abuse, and they go right to the violent owners to make sure that they give up the animals to someone who wants to really take care of them. They have even made agreements with animal shelters so that they can get rehabilitation and new homes can be found for them. The animals that they save include dogs, cats, and horses.
They are known as Rescue Ink and you are going to be amazed by what they do.
Rescue Ink is an animal rights organization and they are nonprofit. The volunteers started in New York and are made up of ex-bodybuilders, powerlifting champions, bikers, former military personnel, lawyers, police detectives, and similar people. They were at their peak activity between 2008-2014.
“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.”
They cooperate with the police and other public organizations. They try to work within the law to make a difference.
This is Tom Hardy wearing a rescue shirt.
They receive up to 3000 messages per day via email from people worldwide. They also get about 250 calls.
Perhaps the most unusual animal that they ever saved was a 5-foot boa constrictor.
The bikers have taken part in breaking up many different unusual situations. It included everything from those who sold purebred dogs because they needed money for drugs, to breaking up dogfight rings, or going after a man who poisoned cats.
Something important about this team is the fact that they find criminals and contact the police. If they don’t take care of the animal, the bikers would help in another way, perhaps building a doghouse.
These bikers certainly have kind hearts. One of them spent 1.5 weeks carrying a small kitten everywhere because he needed feeding every few hours.
They have been responsible for teaching many people that animal abuse is wrong. In most cases, they find that the abusers have similar features. They tend to be impulsive, insecure and ruthless.
The bikers feel that pet abuse is only one of the many problems they experience. They often feel as if they are doing something that can’t be punished, but they are wrong.
In some cases, the owners of dogs were cruel and the bikers needed to save their pets. They contacted local shelters and took the pets there but it didn’t always work out. Sometimes, they would go to the shelter but it was damaged during a hurricane.
Some animals have to be rehabilitated, such as a dog that was not cared for properly after he grew up. They convince the owners that they should give up the dog.
Other dogs are exploited for breeding purposes and they have been involved in many of those cases. They would go to the area and if they refuse to stop, then the bikers would contact the police.
They said that their appearance is an advantage because people just don’t want to get in their face.
“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.”
As some people would leave, other people would join the organization.
One of the people is Batso Maccharoli, who is the powerlifting record holder in Connecticut, US. He is 76 years old but still looks menacing.
Mikey Ink is a bodybuilding champion and vegetarian.
Anthony “Big Ant” Rossano is a man who is 6’1″ tall and who weighs 324 lb.
Joe Panz is one of the founders and the leader of Rescue Ink
There is even a book about their accomplishments: How Ten Guys Saved Countless Dogs and Cats, Twelve Horses, Five Pigs, One Duck, and a Few Turtles.
A reality show was even created on the National Geographic Channel
About 10,000 dogs die each year because of illegal fighting. Animal abuse occurs all the time and organizations such as Rescue Ink are a big help.