Rescue Ink Unleashed premiered on NGC on September 25, 2009. In a metropolitan area with more than 20 million residents, thousands of animals - dogs, cats, and even chickens and piranhas - are neglected, abused, hoarded or housed illegally. A few years ago, eight tough guys from the mean streets, who frequented hot rod shows and tattoo parlors, discovered their strongest bond was actually a passion for animals - and they formed a rescue organization like no other. Some have violent and turbulent pasts, complete with run-ins with the law, but all are seeking redemption and solace in their mission to save animals from human abuse. This series documents this unlikely group of animal activists on their crusade to save helpless, abandoned and abused animals. The eclectic band of brothers - composed of club bouncers, security guards and even a retired New York Police Department (NYPD) detective - is on call 24/7 to take on cases no one else will. They're not cops, animal experts or even animal control. They're just big guys with even bigger hearts and a desire to save animals from deplorable living conditions and abusive or simply misguided owners.