The Exotic Feline Rescue Center is located in Center Point, Indiana. It was founded in 1991 to serve as a loving, caring home for abused big cats and has grown from an initial population of three to over 225 beautiful animals today.
This facility operates on a shoestring budget and relies on the generosity of the surrounding community for everything from financial support to the very food the animals consume. The dedicated employees and volunteers at the ERFC do great work day in and day out to take care of these amazing creatures.
Unfortunately, the Indiana Occupational and Safety Health Administration recently levied a $69,000 fine against the EFRC for safety violations and they could have to make millions of dollars in safety upgrades, a punishment that is in my view flagrantly excessive. An employee was attacked by a cat while feeding it but fully healed and has returned to work already. You can read more about the incident here.
I have visited this facility on multiple occasions and can personally attest to its safety and the wonderful work done there. Schools go on field trips to the EFRC and the tours they conduct to the public frequently have families with children in attendance. As I mentioned earlier, the fine itself was excessive considering OSHA fined the parent company of the West, TX fertilizer plant that exploded earlier this year and KILLED 15 people just $118,300.
The EFRC place simply can't afford to make the costly physical upgrades IOSHA is demanding. The end result could be that hundreds of abused, neglected, and mistreated cats could be left with no home. As progressives, we all agree on the need for strong workplace safety protections and enforcement mechanisms to ensure all people are safe on the job. However, we also know that government should work toward the betterment of society and needs to see the forest through the trees. Shutting the EFRC in no way contributes to a better, more just society.
If you are in a position to help please visit the EFRC's special donation page here and contribute in any way you can. Also, please contact the Indiana Department of Labor here and respectfully voice your displeasure.
Thank you for your help!
