John DeBacker
John DeBacker | |
|---|---|
| Born | Long Island, New York, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Animal rescuer, Vice President of Long Island Cat/Kitten Solution (LICKS) |
| Known for | Animal rescue efforts on Long Island |
John DeBacker is an American animal rescuer known for his efforts in saving and rehabilitating animals on Long Island, New York. He serves as the Vice President of Long Island Cat/Kitten Solution (LICKS), a non-profit organization focused on animal welfare. DeBacker has gained local media attention for his dedication and involvement in numerous challenging animal rescues.
Early life and background
Born and raised on Long Island, John DeBacker has been involved in animal rescue since his early twenties, initially volunteering at shelters and rescue organizations.[1] He later transitioned his passion into a full-time commitment to animal welfare. DeBacker does not accept payment for his rescue services, relying solely on donations to fund his efforts.[1] He maintains a custom-built insulated shed for injured animals and operates a rescue van capable of holding multiple cages.[1]
Animal rescue work
DeBacker is widely known on Long Island as a primary contact for animal emergencies. His work often involves unique and difficult situations, collaborating with local authorities like the Suffolk County Police Department and New York State Police.[2]
Notable rescue efforts include:
- In September 2020, he rescued a possum from Sunrise Highway and a kitten from the Wantagh State Parkway during morning traffic, with police halting traffic for the latter.[1]
- In October 2022, he assisted in the rescue of a kitten found from under the hood of a car.[3]
- In December 2023, while visiting family in New Jersey, he rescued a feral cat, named "Merry," that had its head stuck in a jar for several days. The cat was later made available for adoption.[4][5]
- In April 2025, John rescued a Scottish Fold cat, a rare breed known for its distinctive folded ears.[6]
- In June 2025, DeBacker played a crucial role in an 18-hour rescue operation to free a kitten, named "Piper," trapped in an underground pipe in Bay Shore, collaborating with the Suffolk County Police Department and Bay Shore Fire Department.[7]
As Vice President of Long Island Cat/Kitten Solution (LICKS), DeBacker is involved in the organization's Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) initiatives aimed at reducing the feral cat population on Long Island.[8] He also contributes to larger rescue missions undertaken by LICKS, such as a mother cat and her kittens at JFK Airport and a cat on Metro-North train tracks.[8]
References
- ^ a b c d Matos, Allison (September 28, 2020). "Animal Rescue: One Man's Mission". Long Island Press. Retrieved June 28, 2025.
- ^ Man and Police Save Kitten Running on Busy Long Island Parkway. Inside Edition Digital. August 16, 2024. Retrieved June 28, 2025.
- ^ Costello, Alex (October 10, 2022). "Animal Rescuers Save Kitten Who Was Hiding In Car Engine". Patch. Retrieved June 28, 2025.
- ^ Christiano-Mistretta, Maryanne (January 5, 2024). "Helpless feral cat saved on Christmas". Essex News Daily. Retrieved June 28, 2025.
- ^ "A cat spent days with a jar on its head. She's now up for adoption". News 12 Long Island. December 30, 2023. Retrieved June 28, 2025.
- ^ "Rare Animal Trapped Under Trash Compactor Finds A Hero In The Nick Of Time". The Dodo. April 17, 2025. Retrieved July 4, 2025.
- ^ "Rescuer uses recorded meows to lure kitten out of underground pipe". UPI.com. June 4, 2025. Retrieved June 28, 2025.
- ^ a b "Long Island Cat Kitten Solution, or LICKS, Helps to Decrease Feral Cat Population". Long Island Press. November 14, 2022. Retrieved June 28, 2025.