Stop Animal Cruelty

The Volunteer Application Process

With your decision to volunteer, you’ve taken the first step to further unite our community and bring both people and animals together in this place of healing. Your decision to donate your time will make a difference in saving a life, human and animal. Even if it’s only a couple of hours a week or month, your being here makes a difference. Contact us for more details.
NOTE: At this time, we are not allowing volunteers to work with our animals at the sanctuary; we have made this decision based on the fact that we are a trauma counseling facility. Many of the children that come to RHR for counseling have been physically and sexually abused. We are not allowing volunteers to work with our animals to ensure safety and privacy for our clients. We know everyone would love to pet and play with our animals, however, they are also trauma survivors who are working hard, and this is our main priority. From time to time we still need volunteers to help with events and large mailings.
If you are a member of the veterinary field and would like to donate some of your professional time to the animals on our ranch, please fill out the volunteer form as usual and note your experience at the end. Thank you in advance for your support!

9 Ways To Stop Animal Abuse

1. Know How To Report Animal Cruelty

Every state and every town are different. In some areas, you may have to rely on the police department to investigate animal cruelty; in others, you may have to contact local animal control or another municipal agency.

In Denton County, TX call:
(940) 349-1700
In Tarrant County, TX call:
(817) 884-1305 or (817) 884-1307

2. Look Out for the Animals in Your Area

By being aware, you’re more likely to notice, for example, that the horse next door that was once hefty has lost weight rapidly—a possible indicator of abuse or neglect.

3. Call and Report Animal Abuse

Without phone calls from concerned citizens who report cruelty in their neighborhoods, most instances of animal abuse would go unreported. It all starts with YOU—that’s why it’s so important to keep your eyes and ears open.

4. Provide In-Depth Details When Reporting Animal Cruelty

The details that you provide can go a long way toward assisting an investigating officer. It helps to write down the type of cruelty you witnessed, who was involved, the date of the incident, and where it took place.

5. Contact Your Local Law Enforcement Department

Let them know that investigating animal cruelty should be a priority. Animal cruelty is a CRIME—and the police MUST investigate these crimes.

6. Set a Good Example for Others & Hold Others Accountable

If you have pets, be sure to always show them the love and good care they deserve. But it’s more than just food, water, and adequate shelter. If you think your animal is sick, take him to the veterinarian for treatment.

7. Prevent Animal Abuse By Talking To Your Kids

Teach animal abuse prevention by talking to your kids and teaching them how to treat animals with kindness and respect. We regularly see children in homes where animal abuse has been reported. If a parent isn’t treating the family pet right, we tell the kids that their dog or cat would really appreciate fresh water every day or some daily playtime. If the animal has been left outside without shelter, we’ll say, ‘You have a nice house, and if you get cold, you can put a coat on. But your dog can’t do that.’ Children understand that animals are living creatures that have the ability to feel pain, joy, and sadness.

8. Support Your Local Shelter or Animal Rescue Organization

It’s a great way to make a difference. Volunteer your time or consider fostering rescued animals. Your generosity may provide these animals the chance they deserve to have a good life.

9. Start a Neighborhood Watch Program

Get to know the animals in your neighborhood and invite your friends and neighbors to do the same. Together you can keep an eye out for any suspicious behaviors—abuse and neglect of companion animals, the mistreatment of local wildlife, dogs left in hot cars, and other signs of abuse.

If you have any leads on suspected animal cruelty please contact your local animal control office or your County Sheriff’s department.