DELTONA, Fla. — One Deltona woman is doing everything she can do to save unwanted exotic animals, some that end up in the fur trade.
Meagan Harding has built her own nonprofit sanctuary on her property to rescue a wide variety of creatures.
What You Need To Know
- 101 Paws and Claws rescues a variety of animals including foxes
- The facility was created after Meagan Harding was concerned about abuse at fur farms
- Harding has rescued 15 foxes so far and a variety of other exotic animals
- The sanctuary is open to the public and reservations are made online
The sanctuary, 101 Paws and Claws, is a permanent home for goats, ducks, porcupines, racoons, capybaras and foxes.
“I have found that people, kids especially, learn better when they can interact with animals,” said Harding.
Harding said these creatures are her animal ambassadors for 101 Paws and Claws to help raise money for her ultimate passion — foxes trapped at fur farms.
Harding built the sanctuary a few years ago after seeing the abuses foxes faced on fur farms across the United States and wanted to change the way the animals are treated.
“If this was a dog, people would be outraged. They would be absolutely mind blown — enraged. So, what is it any difference if it’s a fox?” said Harding.
Harding has 15 foxes she has rescued, each with a different story of abuse.
“So, foxes become your fur coats, your products, your hats, scarfs, things like that,” talking to a small group taking a tour of the facility.
While foxes are the reason for her backyard sanctuary, guests that visit will get to feed a variety of animals, including monkeys and Imus.
Anyone can visit 101 Paws and Claws in Deltona.
The cost is $100 for up to five people and $20 for each additional person.
Reservations for Paws and Claws are required.
