Lauree Simmons established Big Dog Ranch Rescue (BDRR) in 2008 to provide a safe haven primarily for Weimaraners. However, as the recession affected shelters' capacities, Simmons felt compelled to assist all breeds in need, stating, "Not growing BDRR wasn’t an option."
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BDRR rescues dogs from various detrimental situations, including animal testing facilities, puppy mills, negligent breeders, overcrowded shelters, and other instances of neglect. Operating on a 34-acre ranch in Loxahatchee, BDRR is the largest cage-free facility of its kind in the United States. Over its 18 years of operation, the organization has achieved significant milestones in animal welfare, including the recent rescue of 2,100 beagles from the Ridgelan Farms breeding and testing operation in Wisconsin.
“These dogs don’t have a way out, or a choice, or a voice,” Simmons notes, emphasizing that education, sterilization, legislation, and collaboration can address these issues.
BDRR has actively collaborated with state and federal authorities to enact laws aimed at prosecuting dog fighting, enforcing mandatory licensing for breeders, and promoting humane alternatives to animal testing.
Simmons and her team highlight the crucial role of community support in their efforts, urging people to donate or adopt from BDRR rather than purchase pets. "Don’t shop; adopt," she encourages, explaining that every adoption creates space for another rescue.
For more information or to support BDRR, visit their website or contact them at 561-791-6465.