.bmp)
That is a question I am asked all the time. And based on my experiences and the experiences told to me by past employees and volunteers, I believe the pseudo-sanctuary operates like a cult. Let's examine what makes a destructive cult and how the pseudo-sanctuary compares to the description:
1. A destructive cult tends to be totalitarian in its control of its members' behavior. The pseudo-sanctuary tells the employees what to think and what to believe. Past and present employees are mainly convicted criminals controlled by the pseudo-sanctuary's directors. Whenever animals become sick or injured, the workers cannot call a veterinarian without first going through the director. No one can escort an investigator around either property without prior approval from the directors – the directors prefer to take investigators around the properties personally. This way the director can control what is seen or heard and the inspectors are kept away from any problem areas. Employees are told what they can and cannot say to the public and if anyone steps out of line, that person is threatened with a lawsuit or a return to jail. Workers or volunteers taking pictures of the animals and then sharing those pictures with friends and family are frown upon. No one is allowed to share the health and welfare of the animals except the director. No one.
1. A destructive cult tends to be totalitarian in its control of its members' behavior. The pseudo-sanctuary tells the employees what to think and what to believe. Past and present employees are mainly convicted criminals controlled by the pseudo-sanctuary's directors. Whenever animals become sick or injured, the workers cannot call a veterinarian without first going through the director. No one can escort an investigator around either property without prior approval from the directors – the directors prefer to take investigators around the properties personally. This way the director can control what is seen or heard and the inspectors are kept away from any problem areas. Employees are told what they can and cannot say to the public and if anyone steps out of line, that person is threatened with a lawsuit or a return to jail. Workers or volunteers taking pictures of the animals and then sharing those pictures with friends and family are frown upon. No one is allowed to share the health and welfare of the animals except the director. No one.
2. A destructive cult tends to have an ethical double standard. The pseudo-sanctuary claims to provide quality life-long care to its animals. The public is told over and over again that this sanctuary takes animals no one else wants. Animals supposedly arrive in extremely poor health, many in "critical condition" and almost all make remarkable recovery. The shocking truth is many animals either die en-route while in the custody of sanctuary personnel on their way to the "sanctuary" or are destroyed upon their arrival, after the camera crews leave the premise. Animals rarely receive veterinarian care when injured or dying and are provided food that barely meets their basic needs. Hundreds of animals die while in their care and yet the pseudo-sanctuary continues to tell the public they were the best hope for these animals.
3. A destructive cult appears to be innovative and exclusive. The pseudo-sanctuary does not allow volunteers or interns on the property. Board members are close friends of the directors and the board is told only what the directors what them to know. This ensures no one asks any unnecessary questions! The directors are very innovative when it comes to controlling the pseudo-sanctuary's assets, making it very difficult to track donated dollars and purchased items.
4. A destructive cult is authoritarian in its power structure. The directors are regarded as the supreme authority for both properties. They may delegate certain power to an employee for the purpose of seeing that other employees adhere to the directors' orders. The directors claim to have the only and final ruling on all matters. Employees are told to keep their mouths shut when it comes to the inner workings of the pseudo-sanctuary and are threatened if they fail to do so. They may even be forced to sign statements to the effect that they will not share with the public the workings of the sanctuary.
5. A destructive cult's leader is a self-appointed messianic person claiming to have a special mission in life. The female director claimed this was her special calling in life, ever since she was a child. This director appointed herself as President/CEO of the "sanctuary" and the board of directors is afraid to give an honest assessment of this person's work performance.
6. A destructive cult's leader tends to be determined, domineering, and charismatic. The female director is charismatic, often found espousing her ideas to the local television media. She tends to charm investigators, telling them all about her "good works" and how "bad people" are out to destroy all her hard work. Investigators are told past complainants are from disgruntled ex-employees and should not be taken seriously. Workers are not allowed to voice suggestions or complaints for fear of being ridiculed or disciplined. The directors effectively persuade employees to ignore their moral compass by allowing injured animals to go untreated or assist in killing perfectly health animals, all in the name of money. Employees are persuade to abandon their beliefs and follow the directions of the directors—whch includes lying to investigators and to the public.
I was one of the lucky ones to see what this place is — a horrible cult. When I started asking questions about the pseudo-sanctuary, the directors immediately started removing my name from all forms of print and on the internet— it was as if I never existed to this place. The workers were threatened not to speak or write to me. They were told I was being sued and a temporary restraining order was slapped against me—all threats used to keep the other workers in line. All lies. The directors lied to investigators concerning my role at the pseudo-sanctuary and my reasons for leaving. These actions are indicative of a self-destructive cult.
If you think you have been affected by such a cult, here are a few thoughts to ponder:
Step 1: Thoroughly learn about the psychological dynamics of how mind control works. This way you will be able to see more certainly and clearly how you were systematically deceived and victimized by such an unscrupulous cult leader and its minions.
Step 2: Get therapy from a specialist in the area of cult abuse. Talk about your experiences with others that escaped a similar situation.
Step 3: Get real angry and seek legal justice against the cult’s leaders. Anger over injustice is appropriate and useful if used temporarily and appropriately used. More importantly when you seek legal justice against the abuser, you reverse the psychological victim/oppressor dynamics. You are now in control of the situation and can make a difference in saving others (animals and people alike).
Step 4: Don't lump all like minded groups in the same basket. For instance, don't assume all animal sanctuaries are cult-like. Next time, do your homework, check out the place you want to either work or volunteer at and never give up your dreams to help others - it is a worthwhile endeavor.
I wish you the absolute best on your journey through life and remember, one voice can make a difference - for no one else can speak the words on your lips.
"Once you rationalize the first misstep, it's easier to fall into a pattern of misbehavior."
