“Nearly 50 animals are now staying in Calvin Red Owl III’s home. Calvin Red Owl III was advocating for animal welfare rights in a district meeting when he heard dogs barking, alerting him to the fire that broke out at the White Owl Sanctuary. He’s Oglala Lakota and the founder and operator of the first and only animal shelter on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota.” J. Estus, ICT
Kevin Red Owl, III, caring for a few of the nearly 40 animals he’s caring for in his home. (Photo courtesy of Kevin Red Owl)
Excerpt: Saving the sanctuary for Pine Ridge’s four-legged relatives, By Joaqlin Estus, Indian Country Today
“He’s now caring for 49 animals in his three bedroom home, where he lives with his three sons. Red Owl III has an autoimmune disease and is only working with one volunteer to care for the animals, to limit his chances of contracting COVID-19.
Homeless animals on Pine Ridge
“Well, now what’s next for the shelter is we’re trying to find homes for all 47 animals that we have. And we are trying to rebuild as quickly as possible because the winter months are here and there’s lots of animals that need rehoming here on the reservation.”
For additional information about the White Owl Sanctuary click here.
“The Indian Health Service continues to work closely with our tribal partners and state and local public health officials to coordinate a comprehensive public health response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The federal government is working closely with state, local, tribal, and territorial partners, as well as public health partners, to respond to this public health threat.” IHS – November 2020
