Performing Animal Welfare Society

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Performing Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) is an advocacy group for abandoned or abused performing animals as well victims of the exotic animal trade. They claim 30,000 members. As a member accredited by The Association of Sanctuaries (TAOS), the society follows guidelines stipulated by TAOS, one of which is that none of the elephants be bred.[1]

Contents

[edit] History

Founded by former Hollywood animal trainer and author Pat Derby and partner Ed Stewart, PAWS works to ensure that animals are protected by the Endangered Species and the Animal Welfare Acts, as well as by local laws.

[edit] Sanctuary Facilities

PAWS maintains three sanctuaries for captive wildlife--a 30 acre sanctuary in Galt, California, the 100-acre (0.40 km²) Amanda Blake Wildlife Refuge in Herald, California and a third, ARK2000, which composes 2,300 acres (9.3 km²) in San Andreas, California.

The animals live in facilities specifically designed for their needs; the elephants, for example, have access to 100 acres (0.40 km²) of land and have been given a jacuzzi for the more arthritic members of their family.

[edit] Animal Population

The sanctuaries currently house approximately twelve elephants, 53 tigers, lions , and other felines, eight bears, eight primates, and one coyote.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Care Guidelines for Captive Elephants. TAOS. Retrieved on February 3, 2007.

[edit] External links

 This article related to a non-profit organization is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.