‘Tattoo’ to the Rescue: Bikers Ride to Save Pets

July 9, 2008

A group of tattooed bikers have more in common than just motorcycles, they rescue animals. (Pet Pulse Photo By Jose Alvarez, Design by Tim Mattson)

LONG ISLAND, N.Y. -- They look like bad boys, but they are animal rescuers with a heart of gold.

A group of tattooed motorcyclists are now handling the toughest animal rescue cases in New York state. They are on speed dial for many humane organizations, from the ASPCA to the Humane Society of the United States, as well as with countless pet lovers.

“What happened was that along with going to tattoo conventions and hot rod motorcycle get-togethers, animals were a big part of our life,” said Mike Tattoo, a member of Rescue Ink. “So we would be at a hot rod convention, talking about yeah, the motor and this and that, and guess what happened last week.

“Yeah, saved a dog near the Belt Parkway.”

The group quickly bonded over their love for animals, and soon formally founded Rescue Ink.

“So now we’re a very structured organization that doesn’t take no for an answer, and goes out and does what we have to do,” said Tattoo.

A 5-year-old cat, named “Newman” is now safe and sound thanks to these unlikely guardian angels. Rescue Ink saved him from a household where he, along with other animals, was kept in a birdcage.

“The lady wasn’t a bad person,” said a man known as “Johnny O,” another member of the group. “She was very loving towards the animals as we walked in with her, crying of course, and telling the other animals that ‘Everything is OK, and they’re here to help you.’

“We very carefully took the cats out and it was very emotional.”

Rescue Ink took Newman and the other pets to a Long Island shelter, and Newman soon found an adoptive owner.

Newman is not the only heartbreaker at this shelter, though. Rescue Ink got a call from the ASPCA, telling them of a studio apartment where a man, about to be evicted, was hoarding 29 cats.

“We were walking in feces, urine and the place was just horrendous,” said a Rescue Ink member who goes by “Big Ant.”

Hopefully these cats will find the same happy ending as Newman. His new home is a three-story condo. Newman is expected to recover quickly from his traumatizing experience.

“Cats and dogs come back real quick from that type of stuff, so I think he’ll be fine and the new adoptive owner is a loving person,” said “TK,” a member of the organization, Save-A-Pet. “She’s been in several times to visit him, and so we’re looking for a successful future for him in his new home.”

Mission accomplished. More abused animals are still waiting for their tattooed heroes, however. That means Rescue Ink is back on the road, their work never really done.

Tell us what you think about “ ‘Tattoo’ to the Rescue: Bikers Ride to Save Pets” below, and be sure to watch this video at the top right of your page. Share your favorite videos by clicking on the ZootooTV tab. Send us your story ideas by e-mailing us at news@zootoo.com or by calling us at 877-777-4204.