In Defense of Animals (IDA) recently celebrated the 16th Anniversary of the international organization's Mid-South Office, which evolved into the Project Hope Sanctuary. With additional animal sanctuaries in Africa and India, IDA's first sanctuary was established in Carroll County, Mississippi 7 years after the August 1, 1993 birth of the office.

IDA came to Mississippi after hearing the concerns of Grenada and Montgomery County residents who discovered that two USDA-licensed animal dealers were operating in the region. Missing dogs were discovered at one of the kennels and horrid abuse at the other. IDA successfully worked to shut them down, then stayed to help with other animal issues.

Soon, IDA was involved in cases resulting in the seizure of hundreds of dogs; 86 animal cruelty cases including lions, tigers, bears, cougars, and a camel; the closing of a pet shop supplier's warehouse containing 683 birds, reptiles, and rodents; and other animal seizures and successful prosecutions. IDA needed a haven for animals to heal, and a location from which to find them new homes.

Project Hope Sanctuary was created to fill this need. Today, Project Hope is the temporary or permanent home for an ever-changing cast of approximately 150 animals including dogs, cats, horses, donkeys, rabbits, pigs, emus, and a goat.

IDA's partners, working to ensure the wellness of our rescues and their placement in caring, lasting homes, include the Mississippi State University's (MSU) mobile student spay and neuter team and MSU's volunteer student "Homeward Bound" adoption team.

IDA also assists the newly-formed Winona Animal Advocacy Group place misplaced and abused animals with loving homes. Doll Stanley, director of Project Hope Sanctuary, serves on the WAAG board of directors.