“Don’t Help Dogs or Cats Who Can’t Get Into a Rescue” – The Cruelty Behind Those Words

Every day on Free Dogs and Cats NZ, we see dogs and cats needing homes, left with nowhere to go—not because they aren’t worthy, but because rescues are full and the system is overwhelmed.

So these animals end up here, where we try to give them a second chance. But even then, we often hear hurtful comments like:
“Only help rescue animals.”
“Don’t give them anything—support a rescue instead.”

Let’s pause and really think about that.
If a child was refused entry to an orphanage because there was no room, would you say, “Only help the ones who made it inside”? Would you tell others to ignore that child on the street?
Of course not.

But that’s exactly what happens to these animals—just because they couldn’t get into a rescue. They’re pushed aside again, even by the public.

We aren’t here to compete with rescues—we support them. But Free Dogs and Cats NZ exists because so many dogs and cats fall through the cracks. When no rescue has space, when every shelter says no, we step in.

And then—we get abused for helping.

People say, “They’re not desexed, they’re not vaccinated, they’re not from a rescue.”
But instead of offering help, they offer judgement.
Instead of donating, they criticise.

If your concern is vet work or desexing, you can help.
You don’t have to ignore or shame these animals—you can support the people trying to care for them.

Here is the donation link:
https://www.freedogsandcats.co.nz/donate

But if you’re not willing to help, please—don’t make it harder for those who do.

The animals on Free Dogs and Cats NZ are here because they’ve already been rejected once. They don’t need to be turned away again.

Every act of kindness matters. Please don’t shut the door a second time.