Protecting Your Pet: Pet ride along

Whether it’s a cat in crisis or horses in need of help, the animal rescue league of Boston is ready to spring into action.

Mike Brammer, Animal Rescue League of Boston
"We've handled everything from 2 inch bats and mice to 45 foot pilot whales, so on a daily basis you never know what you are going to run into"

The unit responds to more than a dozen calls per day. Like the cat that was stuck in a tree in Wrentham. Rescue officers say things don't always go as planned but after being on the job awhile, nothing seems to phase rescue workers.

Chris Charboneau, Animal Rescue League Law Enforcement
"In the 18 years I have been involved with animal welfare, nothing surprises me anymore, nothing shocks me anymore. The rescue league responds to more than 2500 calls per year. Everything from the predictable to the extraordinary, to the downright bizarre."

Bill Tanguay, Animal Rescue League of Boston
"We get a lot of cats out of trees, probably three or four a week, but iguanas in tress."

And neighbors are glad.

Rebecca Bronchstein, Salem resident
"It was a bit nerve racking to go out and take the trash out at night and not know if it was going to be in the backyard ready to pounce, we're just really glad , and these guys were amazing, they put on quite a show for the neighborhood."

With the iguana safely captured, the crew moves on a call for an abandoned dog in Dedham. The animal was found wandering the street. The rescue officers check for an identification chip, but they had no luck. The dog that appears to have tumors on its legs, will be taken to the Animal Rescue League Dedham branch for a full medical checkup and behavioral evaluation, and if all goes well, will be placed for adoption.

The rescue league also works closely with law enforcement. Like in the case of horses were found malnourished and mistreated.

Chris Charboneau, Animal Rescue League law enforcement
"We were actually contacted by the officials of East Brookfield to conduct a rescue."

12 horses had to be seized. They will be cared for at the Animal Rescue League in Dedham until they can find homes for them. While some of the rescue calls end in sadness or tragedy, the officers say they do what they do because every animal they save makes it all worth while.

Mike Brammer, Animal Rescue League of Boston
"I get satisfaction from being out there, and getting them out of a dangerous situation, and bringing them back and giving them a second chance."

I’m Dylan Dreyer for 7News.

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