Farm Sanctuary Makes Room at the “Inn” this Christmas for a Special Mother and Child

Goat gives birth at slaughterhouse and gets second chance at life for her and her kid

WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. – December 19, 2011 – For a lucky mother and child, all is calm and all is bright this holiday season. This week, just in time for Christmas, Farm Sanctuary (www.farmsanctuary.org), the nation’s leading farm animal protection organization, will make room at the “inn,” i.e. their New York Shelter in Watkins Glen, for a special mother goat who was destined for slaughter and the tiny “miracle” baby she gave birth to at the slaughterhouse who saved her life.

Farm Sanctuary was first alerted to the miraculous birth by a local Binghamton vet, Melissa Hayes, whose relative owns the slaughterhouse. Hayes’ relative had recently bought some “spent” dairy goats at a stockyard, having no idea that one was pregnant, and brought them to his facility to be slaughtered. After witnessing the birth and the tender devotion between the mother goat and her child, he decided to ask for Hayes’ help finding a good home for the pair.

“I immediately called Farm Sanctuary,” says Hayes, who first became acquainted with the organization as a veterinary student at nearby Cornell University, where many of Farm Sanctuary’s animal residents are treated following rescue and throughout their lives. “As a student, I helped treat some of their rescued animals and I was deeply touched by their commitment to protecting these often overlooked animals from cruelty. Whether it was pigs who had fallen off a transport truck or an elderly steer with arthritis, Farm Sanctuary was always there to comfort these animals and prove that their lives matter.”

“We are overjoyed to welcome this special mother and child to our sanctuary just in time for the holidays,” says Farm Sanctuary’s National Shelter Director Susie Coston, who is known as the “Farm Animal Whisperer” for her unique bond with farm animals and for her deep understanding of their complex emotional lives. “Goats are very affectionate, social beings who, just like us, want nothing more than to be among their family members. It is always a great joy for us to enable mothers and babies, who are typically immediately separated, to stay together. This will make our holiday at the sanctuary even more precious and it wouldn’t have been possible without the help of our members.”

A double miracle!

When Farm Sanctuary arrived at the slaughterhouse last Friday night, they discovered that a second goat had also just given birth. Despite taking a financial loss, the slaughterhouse owner decided to also allow this mother goat and her child to live out their lives together at Farm Sanctuary. The baby, however, was born prematurely and both mother and child are very sick and currently undergoing treatment at Cornell University Hospital for Animals.

About Farm Sanctuary

Farm Sanctuary, the nation's leading farm animal protection organization, promotes legislative, policy, and individual lifestyle changes to help farm animals. Farm Sanctuary’s shelters in New York and California provide lifelong care for nearly 1,000 rescued farm animals. For more information, please visit farmsanctuary.org.

Farm Sanctuary Asks Parents to Consider Alternatives to Buying Baby Chickens, Ducks and Rabbits as Holiday Pets

WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. – April 20, 2011 – With Easter just days away, and the animated movie Hop, featuring an adorable bunny as the main character, packing movie theatres nationwide, Farm Sanctuary (www.farmsanctuary.org), the nation’s leading farm animal protection organization, is encouraging families to resist buying live bunnies, ducklings and chicks as gifts for their children, and instead sponsor an animal in need. Every year hundreds of baby chickens, ducks and rabbits find their way into Easter baskets, but they grow quickly, and interest in them is often lost as the reality of their long term care sets in. As a result, Farm Sanctuary’s California and New York Shelters see an abundance of people looking to find homes for unwanted animals immediately following Easter.

“Rabbits, ducks and chickens are living, feeling animals, not holiday trinkets, yet many people impulsively purchase them without considering whether or not they are prepared to take care of them for many years to come,” said Farm Sanctuary’s National Shelter Director Susie Coston. “We urge parents to show their children that animals deserve love when they’re all grown up just as much as when they were babies. They can do that by sponsoring an animal in need for their children this Easter rather than buying one.”

Farm Sanctuary sponsorships help provide year-round care for rescued animals in a setting where they can enjoy freedoms difficult to provide in households, such as the space necessary to exercise their natural behaviors and the ability to socialize with others of the same species. The animals available for sponsorship this Easter include: Stacey, a pig who had been used for practice surgeries at a university; Jade, a hen who was rescued from a cockfighting operation; Mr. Peepers, a goose who was a target of abuse for nearly 10 years; Bradley, a steer who was rescued from a dairy farm where he was tied in a filthy barn, unable to walk or lift his head; Preston, a duck who was found wandering the streets of New York City after likely having been bought during Easter and abandoned; and Lily, a goat who faced slaughter after being purchased as a gift for a child. Each unique sponsorship package includes a personalized adoption certificate with color photo that makes the perfect addition to any Easter basket.

To sponsor an animal for Easter, visit: farmsanctuary.org.

Take a Ride on the Turkey Express!

Follow along as Farm Sanctuary makes a stop on our Turkey Express to deliver two rescued turkeys to a loving adoptive family in Connecticut. Since 1986, this annual adoption event, held as part of our Adopt-A-Turkey Project, has been pairing turkeys in need of permanent refuge with adopters nationwide, giving hundreds of these sensitive, social birds a precious second chance at life. (2:23 min.)


Please Give VEGAN a chance.  Thank you!

New York City Teams Up with NBA Champion John Salley for the 2010 Walk for Farm Animals

NEW YORK, NY – October 8, 2010 – On October 24, New York City and NBA champion and wellness guru John Salley will host the 2010 Walk for Farm Animals, an annual event taking place in more than 75 cities across the United States and Canada to celebrate and promote compassion for farm animals and raise vital funds to support the lifesaving rescue, education and advocacy work of Farm Sanctuary, the nation’s leading farm animal protection organization. This year’s national Walk spokesperson is celebrity trainer and television personality Bob Harper from NBC’s hit show “The Biggest Loser.”


“Farm animals are smart, friendly animals who experience fear, pain and suffering just like cats, dogs and all other living beings do,” says Salley. “The cruel conditions endured by billions of farm animals annually on factory farms all across North America is an issue that affects all of us. As a proud Brooklyn native who believes all animals should be treated with compassion, I am honored to be back in my hometown leading the 2010 New York City Walk for Farm Animals. I encourage all New Yorkers to join me on Sunday, October 24 to spread a critical message of hope for farm animals. I’ll see YOU at the Walk!”

Last year’s New York City Walk was the biggest ever with almost 800 registered participants. This year, attendance is expected to exceed that number. The Walk in scenic Central Park will be led by NBA champion, wellness guru and proud Brooklyn native John Salley, the first NBA player to win four championships with three different teams, and will feature inspiring speakers, including Farm Sanctuary’s President and Co-Founder Gene Baur, a bagged vegan lunch, raffle and special musical performance by singer/songwriter Jenn London.

“Animals raised for food in the U.S. spend their entire lives in filth and darkness, kept in such severe confinement they cannot turn around, lie down or extend their limbs,” said Gene Baur, president and co-founder of Farm Sanctuary. “No one likes cruelty and when people learn about the abusive conditions inside factory farms, they are appalled and a growing number are getting active to raise awareness about these intolerable cruelties and put an end to the unnecessary suffering. For nearly 25 years, Farm Sanctuary’s Walk for Farm Animals has provided a forum for people from all walks of life to spread a powerful message of compassion for farm animals in their own cities and hometowns. The exponential growth of the Walks is a very positive sign. This year, we are thrilled to have the support of John Salley as our New York City grand marshal and Bob Harper as our national spokesperson for the 2010 Walk for Farm Animals. Both are as passionate about animal protection as they are about health and fitness, and with their support, the biggest winners this year will be farm animals.”

The 2010 Walk for Farm Animals is sponsored nationally by Boston Baked Bonz.

The New York City Walk for Farm Animals is on October 24 in Central Park. Participants are asked to meet at Merchants Gate (Central Park West at 59th Street). Registration is at 10 a.m. and the Walk begins at 12 p.m. Those interested in registering for the 2010 Walk can learn more at walkforfarmanimals.org. All participants will receive a special limited-edition 2010 Walk t-shirt designed by vegan fashion house Vaute Couture, and special prizes will be awarded to walkers who reach fundraising milestones.

NOTE TO MEDIA: If you would like to attend the Walk and speak with NBA champion John Salley or Farm Sanctuary President and Co-Founder Gene Baur, please contact Meredith Turner at 646-369-6212 or mturner@farmsanctuary.org.

Photos of last year’s NYC Walk for Farm Animals, an approved image of 2010 host John Salley, or 2010 national spokesperson Bob Harper from NBC’s hit show “The Biggest Loser” are available upon request.

Photo: John Salley, courtesy of jsquaredphotography.com.


About Farm Sanctuary



Farm Sanctuary is the nation's leading farm animal protection organization. Since incorporating in 1986, Farm Sanctuary has worked to expose and stop cruel practices of the "food animal" industry through research and investigations, legal and institutional reforms, public awareness projects, youth education, and direct rescue and refuge efforts. Farm Sanctuary shelters in Watkins Glen, N.Y., and Orland, Calif., provide lifelong care for hundreds of rescued animals, who have become ambassadors for farm animals everywhere by educating visitors about the realities of factory farming. Additional information can be found at farmsanctuary.org or by calling 607-583-2225.



Follow Farm Sanctuary on Twitter: twitter.com/FarmSanctuary

Ellen DeGeneres Urges Public to Save a Life This Thanksgiving by Adopting a Turkey Instead of Eating One

WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. – October 1, 2010 – Thanksgiving is a time of great warmth, gratitude and the comfort of being surrounded by family and friends — unless you’re a turkey. That’s why beloved talk show host and comedian Ellen DeGeneres is stepping up to serve as the 2010 spokesperson for Farm Sanctuary’s Adopt-A-Turkey Project, an annual program, launching today, that seeks to end the misery of commercially-raised turkeys by offering a compassionate alternative for Thanksgiving.


Says DeGeneres, "Save a life this Thanksgiving, and join me in starting a new tradition by adopting a turkey instead of eating one through Farm Sanctuary's Adopt-A-Turkey Project."

Farm Sanctuary, the nation’s leading farm animal protection organization, has organized the annual Adopt-A-Turkey Project since 1986. This Thanksgiving, with Ellen’s help, thousands of families will save turkeys, instead of eating them, by adopting a feathered friend who lives at Farm Sanctuary’s New York or California Shelter. For a one-time donation gift of just $30, adopters will receive a special Adopt-A-Turkey certificate, featuring a color photo of and fun details about their new friend, and the great feeling of knowing they are sponsoring the care of a turkey who has been rescued from cruelty. These donations help Farm Sanctuary educate and advocate for turkeys, and other farm animals, everywhere. This year’s “adoptable” turkeys include: Velma, Daphne, Kima, Harley, Reese and Jordan.

Through the Adopt-A-Turkey Project, Farm Sanctuary has rescued more than 1,000 turkeys, placed hundreds into loving homes through their annual Turkey Express adoption event, educated millions of people about the plight of these friendly, intelligent birds on factory farms and provided resources and recipes for a plant-based holiday. The organization also hosts two Celebrations FOR the Turkeys at their New York and California shelters where the birds are the guests of honor and are treated to a buffet of squash, cranberries and pumpkin pie. Compassionate guests come from all over the country to attend these popular sanctuary events.

“We are thrilled to have Ellen’s support as this year’s Adopt-A-Turkey spokesperson,” says Gene Baur, president and co-founder of Farm Sanctuary. “Through her trademark blend of humor and warmth, she is reaching millions of people with a critical message of compassion for all animals that is as contagious as her laughter and her dancing. Ellen’s positive energy and zest for life make her the perfect ambassador for these charismatic birds, who also possess a strong desire to enjoy life. The important thing to realize about the Adopt-A-Turkey Project is that it’s not about giving anything up — it’s about embracing your deepest values and celebrating in a way that is consistent with those values. No one likes cruelty to animals, and when people learn about what happens to turkeys on factory farms, the decision to skip the turkey in favor of compassionate plant-based options, is an easy one to make.”

Between 250 to 300 million turkeys are raised for slaughter every year in the U.S. — more than 46 million alone for Thanksgiving. Birds are typically packed by the thousands into dark, filthy factory farm warehouses, where they are allotted approximately three square feet of space in which to live. Debeaked and detoed without any pain relief, these birds are bred to reach a crippling weight at an unnaturally fast rate. When turkeys reach only 14 to 18 weeks of age they are transported to slaughter, often under harrowing conditions. Because turkeys and other birds are specifically excluded from the Humane Slaughter Act, which requires that animals be stunned prior to slaughter, their deaths are a brutal end to a miserable existence.

You can learn more about Thanksgiving’s toll on turkeys here.

To join Ellen DeGeneres in starting a new tradition by adopting a turkey instead of eating one, visit adoptaturkey.org or call the Turkey Adoption Hotline at 1-888-SPONSOR.

To speak with Farm Sanctuary President and Co-Founder Gene Baur, receive images of this year's “adoptable” turkeys, as well as industry b-roll and images, please contact Meredith Turner at 646-369-6212 or mturner@farmsanctuary.org.

When you sit down at Thanskgiving dinner this year, do so with compassion.  Spare the turkey!  There are many other options to consider.  Tofurky has a vegetarian feast and Field Roast has a celebration roast that is too yummy for words!  Try one and see that you can still eat delicious food, without the suffering of animals.  Thanks!










About Farm Sanctuary

Farm Sanctuary is the nation's leading farm animal protection organization. Since incorporating in 1986, Farm Sanctuary has worked to expose and stop cruel practices of the "food animal" industry through research and investigations, legal and institutional reforms, public awareness projects, youth education, and direct rescue and refuge efforts. Farm Sanctuary shelters in Watkins Glen, N.Y., and Orland, Calif., provide lifelong care for hundreds of rescued animals, who have become ambassadors for farm animals everywhere by educating visitors about the realities of factory farming. Additional information can be found at farmsanctuary.org or by calling 607-583-2225.


Follow Farm Sanctuary on Twitter: twitter.com/FarmSanctuary

“Biggest Loser” Star Bob Harper Makes Record-Breaking Gains for Farm Animals

In an Exclusive Interview with Farm Sanctuary, 2010 Walk for Farm Animals Spokesperson Bob Harper Proclaims “…we can no longer have blinders on...”


WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. – September 21, 2010 – On “The Biggest Loser,” celebrity trainer Bob Harper helps people lose weight and break the bad habits that are holding them back. But as the first-ever celebrity spokesperson for the Walk for Farm Animals, a national event to celebrate and promote compassion for farm animals and raise money to support the lifesaving rescue, education and advocacy work of Farm Sanctuary, he has become the biggest gainer for farm animals. Thanks in part to his star-power, the annual event has gained a record-breaking 78 participating cities across the U.S. and Canada (up 10 from last year) and a steadily growing list of registrants (nearly double last year’s participants), making the 2010 Walk for Farm Animals the largest organized North American event for farm animals in history.

With eight Walks already down in Michigan, Rhode Island, Minnesota, Missouri, Delaware, New Jersey, Tennessee and Florida, and 70 more still to go throughout the remainder of September and October (including a virtual “No Walk” Walk), the 2010 Walk is proof that the cruel treatment of animals raised for food has become an issue of national concern. This year’s addition of Harper as celebrity spokesperson, a first in the event’s nearly 25 year history, further demonstrates the mainstreaming of a movement that began in large part with the factory farm investigations and legal reforms initiated by Farm Sanctuary’s President and Co-Founder Gene Baur.

“The astounding growth of the Walk for Farm Animals is an encouraging sign that we are getting closer to the day when agribusiness’ treatment of living, breathing animals like unfeeling machinery is a thing of the past,” said Baur. “Through the vast resources of the Internet, undercover investigations, public education campaigns and popular films like ‘Food Inc.,’ people are learning in record numbers about the intolerable abuse, neglect and confinement endured by billions of animals raised for food on factory farms throughout North America, and they are increasingly rejecting these abhorrent practices in favor of mercy and compassion. No one likes cruelty to animals and the Walk provides a terrific opportunity to spread a message of hope for farm animals in your own hometown.”

Farm Sanctuary recently sat down with Harper on the set of “The Biggest Loser” in Los Angeles, where he credited the Walk with “getting people to think” and for initiating a “conversation that sparks change.”

Here are highlights from Farm Sanctuary’s exclusive interview with Bob Harper:

On getting involved with Farm Sanctuary and the Walk for Farm Animals:

“Well, I’ve got to tell you, when I was first approached about Farm Sanctuary, I was very, very excited. I knew that this was going to be a movement that I wanted to be a part of. It just all made sense to me. The lifestyle I live right now, my history, where I’ve grown up – so me being able to be a part of Farm Sanctuary is like having a badge of honor. I wanted to be able to talk about what I know and be a part of an organization that I believe so wholeheartedly in.”

On going vegan:

“It was actually pretty seamless. I was on vacation a couple of years ago and a friend of mine gave me a book called Skinny Bitch, and that started the ball rolling. But it wasn’t until I read T. Colin Campbell’s The China Study that my life absolutely changed. And bringing in the connection of ‘you are what you eat,’ that old adage our mothers have always taught us, it just started to make even more sense.”

On how his life has changed since going vegan:

“Well, it’s interesting because one thing I’ve really been able to do is talk to so many people about what they eat and their diet, for lack of a better word. I’ve worked with overweight Americans for such a long time and it’s about a stepping process … every day is a step because I get people I’ve worked with before saying to me now “What? Are you just going to take out all my meat and dairy?” I want to say “yes” immediately, but I know it’s about getting them to take steps. It’s a process for all of us, but I just get very excited about the platform I’ve been given and the information I now have to give out.”

On myths about vegan nutrition:

“I’ve really had to do my homework because my work is all about informing people and giving them the right information. One thing that I’ve realized is that, yes, our bodies need protein, but we don’t need as much as all these websites out there tell us that we do. And there are definitely ways to get all your nutrients within a plant-based diet.”

On how growing up on a cattle farm in Tennessee shaped the way he views farm animals:

“I have to tell you that because I grew up on this cattle farm it was just the way of life then. On the farm I grew up on the cows were treated relatively respectfully. They had pastures, they lived a good quality of life, of course until their death. To me there was more compassion back then because now … the thing that really pains me … is that these factory farms are just treating these animals like they’re light fixtures, like they’re not real and don’t have blood running through them. It’s just shocking to me.”

On the egregious abuses of modern farming:

“Well, I think the biggest thing is that animals are treated like they are not real. But these animals have emotions; they can be afraid; they can be happy. It’s like people tend to forget about that and that scares me when I think about slaughterhouses and what goes on in these places. When I started getting more and more informed about farm animals and how they were treated it made me feel like I needed to do whatever I could to help.”

On how people can make a difference for farm animals in their daily lives:

“They need to get involved, get informed and get their voices heard. To me, that is the number one step. One thing I tell people all the time when it comes to going to the grocery store, it’s like you are making a vote. Everything you get is a vote … it’s all about the foods you are eating. And I think you got to know what is going on out there … because we can no longer have blinders on; we can no longer just think ‘okay, well it doesn’t affect me,’ because these issues affect us all.”

The full interview can be viewed here: http://www.youtube.com/user/farmsanctuary1#p/a/f/1/UaNM40MDjhM

Bob Harper’s PSA for the Walk for Farm Animals can be viewed here:

http://www.youtube.com/user/farmsanctuary1#p/a/u/0/Uux88tB1D18

In July, when Harper was first named national Walk spokesperson, he spoke about the added health benefits of farm animal advocacy. “Getting and staying physically fit is a lot easier when you have a powerful motivation, and I can’t think of a better reason to get moving this fall than to raise vital funds and awareness for farm animals,” said Harper, who states that since he adopted a plant-based diet he has felt “more clear headed and strong” and that his genetically high cholesterol dropped more than 100 points. “When I think about the billions of sensitive, intelligent beings who are confined and mistreated on factory farms to produce foods linked with obesity, heart disease, cancer, and stroke — that is all the motivation I need to make healthier, more conscientious choices. I am honored to be the national spokesperson for Farm Sanctuary’s 2010 Walk for Farm Animals.”

Participating Walk cities are: Albany, NY; Amsterdam, NY; Ann Arbor, MI; Asheville, NC; Atlanta, GA; Baltimore, MD; Bangor, PA; Berkeley, CA; Boston, MA; Buffalo, NY; Calgary, AB; Cape Cod, MA; Charleston, SC; Charlotte, NC; Chattanooga, TN; Chicago, IL; Chico, CA; Cincinnati, OH; Claremont, CA; Cleveland, OH; Denver, CO; Door County, WI; Durham, NC; Fort Wayne, IN; Ft. Lauderdale, FL; Glasgow, DE; Halifax, NS; Hartford, CT; Ithaca, NY; Jacksonville, FL; Johnston, RI; Kalamazoo, MI; Kansas City, MO; Kingston, ON; Lancaster, PA; Lisbon, CT; Long Beach, CA; Louisville, KY; Milwaukee, WI; Minneapolis, MN; Nashville, TN; New Orleans, LA; North Augusta, SC; Northport, NY; New York City, NY; Orlando, FL; Ottawa, ON; Palm Springs, CA; Philadelphia, PA; Phoenix, AZ; Pittsburgh, PA; Portland, ME; Portland, OR; Princeton, NJ; Rehoboth Beach, DE; Richmond, VA; Rochester, NY; Sacramento, CA; San Antonio, TX; San Luis Obispo, CA; Santa Monica, CA; Sarasota, FL; Seattle, WA; State College, PA; St. Catharines, ON; St. Louis, MO; Syracuse, NY; Tampa, FL; Toronto, ON; Truckee, CA; Tulsa, OK; Vancouver, BC; Ventura, CA; Washington DC, Wichita Falls, TX; Wilmington, NC; Youngstown, OH.

The 2010 Walk for Farm Animals is sponsored nationally by Boston Baked Bonz, a unique company of imaginative artisan/bakers offering tasty and healthy baked goodies and gift baskets for the wonderful doggies that share and enrich our lives.

To learn more about the 2010 Walk for Farm Animals and register for the Walk nearest you, please visit walkforfarmanimals.org.

If you would like to speak with Farm Sanctuary President and Co-Founder Gene Baur, please contact Meredith Turner at 646-369-6212 or mturner@farmsanctuary.org.

About Farm Sanctuary

Farm Sanctuary is the nation's leading farm animal protection organization. Since incorporating in 1986, Farm Sanctuary has worked to expose and stop cruel practices of the "food animal" industry through research and investigations, legal and institutional reforms, public awareness projects, youth education, and direct rescue and refuge efforts. Farm Sanctuary shelters in Watkins Glen, N.Y., and Orland, Calif., provide lifelong care for hundreds of rescued animals, who have become ambassadors for farm animals everywhere by educating visitors about the realities of factory farming. Additional information can be found at farmsanctuary.org or by calling 607-583-2225.

Follow Farm Sanctuary on Twitter: twitter.com/FarmSanctuary

Video Spotlight : Reel Life at Farm Sanctuary - Ep. 2: Chicken Nutrition

National Shelter Director Susie Coston answers a commonly asked question: What do we do with our chicken residents’ eggs? Watch now to meet a few of the happy hens who reside at the New York Shelter and learn more about the nutritional needs of our feathered friends.

Please visit farmsanctuary.org

Try a Non-Dairy Milk, and Help Farmed Animals!

These days, milk can be made from almost anything — soy, rice, almonds, hemp, oats, coconut, the list goes on and on — and with so many healthy and delicious nondairy milks available for purchase in mainstream supermarkets, more and more Americans are making these cruelty-free choices. Now through September 30, Oregon-based natural foods company Turtle Mountain, a pioneer in the creation and production of natural dairy-free products, has teamed up with Farm Sanctuary, the nation’s leading farm animal protection organization, to ensure that every creamy, delicious sip will go even further toward ending the abuse of farm animals by donating $1.00 (up to $5,000) to the nonprofit organization for every UPC that is cut out and sent to them from any flavor of So Delicious™ Dairy Free Coconut Milk.

What a great deal.  Pick up one of these delicious non-dairy milks and send the upc in. That's DOUBLE the compassion! 

Singer Colbie Caillat Visits Farm Sanctuary

On Friday, August 13, Grammy award-winning “Bubbly” singer Colbie Caillat and members of her band, including guitarist Justin Young, took a break from their busy schedule touring with Sheryl Crow to visit the upstate New York Shelter of Farm Sanctuary, the nation’s leading farm animal protection organization, where they spent time “falling” for farm animals rescued from abuse and neglect.

Video Spotlight : Reel Life at Farm Sanctuary - Ep. 1: Pasture Rotation

Here is a behind the scenes look at Farm Sanctuary.

Brave Bull Escapes Fiery Indiana Truck Crash and Finds Refuge at Farm Sanctuary

Determined Bovine’s Dash for Freedom Shows Farm Animals’ Strong Desire to Live



WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. – August 5, 2010 – A witness at the crash site called it “the worst thing I’ve ever seen.” Cattle walked the road smoldering or still on fire. Others lay dying on the pavement, with wounds so bad that their bones were showing. Out of this catastrophic nightmare bolted a lone determined bull, who despite suffering severe burns of his own, was so desperate to stay alive that he attempted to vault over a 3-foot concrete median. Early next week, this brave animal will arrive to a hero’s welcome at the upstate New York shelter of Farm Sanctuary, the nation’s leading farm animal protection organization, where his wounds will be gently treated and his traumatic ordeal put behind him. Soon, he will roam green pastures, bond with new friends, and live freely, as all cattle should. Late Monday night, amid the sirens, flashing lights, terror, and confusion, nothing could have seemed further away.

The accident happened just before midnight, when a 1999 Peterbilt semi hauling 34 cattle headed west on I-94 crashed into a 2011 Volvo semi at State Road 49 near Chesterton, Indiana. The driver of the cattle trailer was on his citizens' band radio talking to another driver when he hit the rear of the other truck. According to Indiana State Police, the tractor caught fire and ruptured, releasing the terrified animals onto the highway. The truck's driver dove out his window to escape the fire, but 18 of the 34 cattle perished, and others were injured. Of the 16 cattle who survived, seven attempted to escape with their lives, but as of 6 a.m. Tuesday, all had been accounted for, except one. According to Indiana State Police Sgt. Ann Wojas, the determined 2-year-old bull attempted to jump the 3-foot concrete median into the eastbound lanes but didn’t make it. After eluding capture for 12 hours and winning the respect and admiration of local residents moved by the story of a slaughterhouse-bound bull who literally rose from the ashes to save his own life, the courageous animal was caught by local officials and taken to the Porter County Animal Shelter, where he currently awaits safe transport to Farm Sanctuary.

“Farm Sanctuary is happy to take in this bull, who has experienced unimaginable horrors over the past several days,” said Farm Sanctuary National Shelter Director Susie Coston. “Every year thousands of animals die in transport accidents like the one witnessed by Indiana residents on I-94 last week. All too often, animals who survive these accidents are shot on site; rarely are they afforded veterinary care. To see so many people come forward and make a concerted effort to save this animal’s life shows a level of compassion seldom extended to animals raised for food, who deserve as much consideration as any other animal. We hope that his story of survival will help spread compassion for these animals far and wide and bring awareness to the need for laws that better protect farm animals during transport.”

The runaway bull follows in the footsteps of other daring animals who famously made dashes for freedom and now spend their days enjoying the peace and abundance of Farm Sanctuary’s New York Shelter — including two crafty cows named Maxine and Queenie, both escapees from a Queens slaughterhouse, whose stories have changed thousands of hearts and minds about animals and food.

More information about the beef industry and rampant problems in transport can be found at http://www.farmsanctuary.org/issues/factoryfarming/beef/.

Action Alert! : Please vote - 2011 Rescue & Refuge Calendar — 25th Anniversary Commemorative Edition!

http://action.farmsanctuary.org/site/MessageViewer?em_id=18002.0&printer_friendly=1

Dear friend of farm animals,


It’s been a busy summer here at Farm Sanctuary. We’re continuing to care for hundreds of animals at our two shelters, fighting for legislation that will protect animals across the country, and giving voice to millions of farm animals who cannot speak for themselves.

And now, we’re busy preparing our 2011 Rescue & Refuge Calendar — our 25th Anniversary Commemorative Edition!

That’s where you come in. Because you are someone who cares about farm animals, we need your help to pick the cover image.


Choose your favorite photo from a selection of three beautiful images featuring soulful portraits of our animal ambassadors. Cast your vote online now!

Our calendar is a great way for you and many others to meet just a few of the animals we care for at our sanctuaries each day. These special individuals are ambassadors for all farm animals. Their powerful stories reveal the injustice and cruelty that farm animals face, and why our efforts are so critical. The animals also show us how beautiful and amazing they are — each a unique individual. The sanctuary animals are an inspiration. Your support has helped us rescue and care for these animals, and work to protect them against cruelty.


Voting ends next Friday, August 6 so you only have one week to vote. Click here to choose your favorite today. We will announce the winner later next month.

Yours for farm animals,

Gene Baur

President and Co-founder, Farm Sanctuary



Want to reserve your calendar? After you cast your vote, you can make a special gift of $50 or more to ensure that you receive the beautiful 25th Anniversary Commemorative Edition Rescue & Refuge Calendar. Your gift will support all of Farm Sanctuary's efforts to end farm animal cruelty.

Rockstar Piglet Gets Lucky "Brake" After Falling Off Transport Truck

Discarded Pig Receives Rockstar Welcome at Final Stop on Cross-Country Tour -
Watkins Glen-Based Shelter of Farm Sanctuary

WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. – July 23, 2010 – The agribusiness industry is all too often predicated on devaluing the lives of farm animals for the sake of production and profit. That is why when a fragile six-week-old piglet fell off the back of a transport truck in South Dakota in mid-July, no one noticed, no one cared, and no one went back for her — that is, until Lanore Hahn and her rock ‘n’ roll boyfriend’s concert tour took an unexpected turn. Thanks to Hahn, late last night the tiny piglet, named “Kim Gordon” in honor of the legendary Sonic Youth vocalist and bass player, arrived to a rockstar’s reception at her new home — the Watkins Glen-based New York Shelter of Farm Sanctuary, the nation’s leading farm animal protection organization.

Lanore had been on the road for a long time touring with her boyfriend’s band (whose signature image, which she designed, and appears on all of their CDs, posters and shirts, is coincidentally a pig) when they strayed off course onto a backcountry highway on their way back to Wisconsin and spotted a little piglet running around in the middle of the road in Mitchell, South Dakota. Confused to see a piglet all alone in the middle of prairieland, with no buildings or farmhouses around, they stopped the car and attempted to catch her. Once she was caught, the compassionate couple placed the baby animal in their vehicle, where she promptly fell into a ten-hour deep sleep.

While the tiny piglet slept, the couple attempted to locate the origins of the exhausted animal. They spoke with people from three different farms farther down the highway, all of whom informed them that there were no pig facilities in the area and they didn’t know where the piglet could have come from. Perplexed even further at this point, Lanore phoned the local animal control authority which sent an officer to speak with her. Given the condition of the piglet, who had severe sunburn over many of the exposed parts of her body and painful road rash on her belly, chin, and back, the animal control officer was the first to surmise that she had fallen off the back of a transport truck. The officer then informed Lanore of a tragic truth: if she handed the baby pig over to authorities, they would most likely shoot the animal. At that moment, Lanore knew she had no other choice but to bring the piglet back with her to Wisconsin.

Back at home, Lanore did everything she could for her new friend — gradually introducing her to more solid foods, treating her wounds with antiseptic lotion daily, and giving her some much-needed T.L.C. While the piglet’s health remains somewhat shaky, she has been improving steadily.

“Unlike the factory farming industry which treated this sweet piglet with callous disregard, our sanctuary staff, volunteers and visitors value her already for the courageous girl that she is,” said Farm Sanctuary National Shelter Director Susie Coston. “Her future looks bright: she is well on her way to recovery and will become an ambassador for other factory farm pigs who suffer every day in hot, overcrowded transport trucks on their way to finishing facilities and slaughterhouses across the country. Her life on the road is over, but here, she will always be a rockstar.”

Kim Gordon piglet joins other famous rescued pigs at the New York Shelter who came to Farm Sanctuary under similar circumstances — including Truffles and Terrin, both found wandering interstate highways after falling off transport trucks in Indiana and Ohio respectively.

What a wonderful group of compassionate people Lanore and her friends are for caring enough to stop and help an animal that was obviously in need of some care.  What a cutie Kim Gordon is!  I will be visiting the sanctuary in a few weeks and hope I get a chance to meet this very lucky girl!

Farm Sanctuary Emphasizes Benefits of Plant-Based Diets to Dietary Guidelines Committee

Nation’s Leading Farm Animal Protection Organization Applauds Committee for Suggesting a Shift to Plant-Based Consumption, but Recommends Specific Suggestions Are Needed to Facilitate Shift

WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. – July 21, 2010 – On behalf of Farm Sanctuary, the nation’s leading farm animal protection organization, the Lewis and Clark Animal Law Clinic has submitted comments to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) regarding a newly issued report on the dietary guidelines for Americans. The report, produced by an advisory committee to the USDA and HHS, urges Americans to modify their diets to become more plant-based, but still condones moderate consumption of lean meats, poultry, and eggs as well as fat-free and low-fat milk products.

The report was borne of a meeting in October 2009 when the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, a group of thirteen independent experts in the fields of nutrition and health, concluded that nutrition and dietary science had changed substantially since 2005, when the last set of dietary guidelines for Americans was published. The committee completed a study of new science and, based on that work, issued the Report of Dietary Guidelines Committee on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010. The report was then opened to public comment, which Farm Sanctuary acted upon.

“Our comments attempt to augment the committee’s suggestion of a shift toward a plant-based diet,” said Dr. Allan Kornberg, executive director of Farm Sanctuary. “Americans should be supplied with a list of healthy alternatives to animal-based foods. As a practicing pediatrician for many years, I know the transition to a plant-based diet would become more conceivable and easily accomplished for the majority of Americans if our Dietary Guidelines reflected healthy options and alternatives to meat, dairy and eggs.”

Paradigm Shift

Within the submitted comments, Farm Sanctuary applauds the Dietary Guidelines Committee for advising that Americans move towards a more plant-based diet, but believes that the final draft of the Dietary Guidelines should include ways to facilitate the recommended shift in dietary habits by suggesting specific plant-based alternatives for Americans to eat. Not only would a list of specific alternatives assist many Americans in making the suggested dietary modifications, but it would also make the guidelines applicable to those for whom meat, dairy, eggs, and poultry are objectionable for a variety of reasons.

Answer to the Age-Old Question “Where do you get your protein?”

Specific suggestions Farm Sanctuary would like to see taken into consideration for the final draft of the dietary guidelines include an emphasis on plant-based sources of protein, such as lentils, nuts and tofu, as well as non-dairy options for calcium. The group would also like to see a listing of specific “solid fats” to be avoided, most of which are or contain animal products, and a related listing of accepted substitutions for those fats, including unsalted nuts, soy products and vegetable-based oils.

Evidence-Based Review

The final suggestion that Farm Sanctuary makes to the Dietary Guidelines Committee is that it would be valuable to undertake an Evidence-Based Review addressing the benefits of a low-fat vegetarian or vegan diet in the treatment and prevention of chronic diseases. Already, many influential groups, such as the American Dietetic Association (A.D.A.) and the Mayo Clinic have noted the benefits of vegetarian and vegan diets and it would be extraordinarily worthwhile to do an empirical study addressing the role plant-based diets play in disease prevention and control.

“Many vegetarians and vegans already know the health benefits of their diet but by requesting an Evidence-Based Review of the impact of plant-based diets in preventing and treating chronic illness, we will further prove that plant-based diets are best not only for the animals, but for the people’s health as well,” continued Kornberg. “Past studies have already linked vegetarian and vegan diets to the prevention of Type 2 Diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and obesity. We hope the Dietary Guidelines Committee will consider the suggestions we have made when writing the final draft of the 2010 Dietary Guidelines.”

As a vegan I can say it is EASY to go vegetarian/vegan! It is the best thing you can do for yourself, the animals and the earth!

Farm Sanctuary Responds to Clearing of Ohio Dairy Farm Owner of Criminal Charges

Farm Sanctuary President and Co-founder Gene Baur: “It is nothing short of a dereliction of duty for a professional trained to provide medical care to animals to support practices such as kicking them and to say that it is to the benefit of the animals.”




WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. – July 8, 2010 – On Monday, an Ohio grand jury decided to clear Gary Conklin, owner of Conklin Dairy Cattle Sales LLC, of criminal charges in connection with the abuse of cows on his farm. In a disturbing video distributed worldwide in May, Mr. Conklin is shown kicking a “downed” cow too weak to stand by herself. According to a statement given to the media by the prosecutor in the case, four large animal veterinarians told law enforcement officials that “delivering a sharp blow” to a sick or weak animal is necessary in order to avoid risk of “injury and death” and is standard practice in the dairy industry as an “entirely appropriate” means to get non-ambulatory animals to move.

Today, Gene Baur, president and co-founder of Farm Sanctuary, the nation’s leading farm animal protection organization, issued the following statement in response to the clearing of Gary Conklin of criminal charges:

“The involvement of experts in excusing cruelty to animals on the grounds that it is ‘standard practice’ in the industry is unconscionable. With the eyes of the world watching, this case represented an important opportunity to send a strong message of compassion. It is unfortunate that the four veterinarians called to testify in the Conklin Dairy case sided with commercial interests, instead of denouncing a clear example of abuse. The sordid notion of ‘standard practice’ is commonly used to justify cruelty in an industry where bad has become normal.

“There are humane ways to address this issue, but when animals are viewed as unfeeling commodities, the time and effort required to handle a downed cow in an appropriate manner is often set aside in favor of expediency at the expense of the animal’s welfare.

“I’m reminded of a quote by Ruth Harrison, author of Animal Machines: ‘If one person is unkind to an animal it is considered cruelty, but where a lot of people are unkind to a lot of animals, especially in the name of commerce, the cruelty is defended. And once large sums of money are involved it will be defended to the last by otherwise intelligent people.’

Farm Sanctuary Offered to Accept Victims of Conklin Dairy

Soon after the video came to light, Farm Sanctuary reached out to the Union County Humane Society, one of the agencies handling the investigation, with an offer to accept and provide shelter for any animals confiscated during the investigation. Unfortunately, the investigation did not result in the seizure of any animals. Baur added, “It is heartbreaking that to date not a single mistreated cow has been given a second chance at a life free from fear and pain.”

If you would like to speak with Gene Baur, president and co-founder of Farm Sanctuary, please contact Meredith Turner at 646-369-6212 or mturner@farmsanctuary.org.

About Farm Sanctuary

Farm Sanctuary is the nation's leading farm animal protection organization. Since incorporating in 1986, Farm Sanctuary has worked to expose and stop cruel practices of the "food animal" industry through research and investigations, legal and institutional reforms, public awareness projects, youth education, and direct rescue and refuge efforts. Farm Sanctuary shelters in Watkins Glen, N.Y., and Orland, Calif., provide lifelong care for hundreds of rescued animals, who have become ambassadors for farm animals everywhere by educating visitors about the realities of factory farming. Additional information can be found at farmsanctuary.org or by calling 607-583-2225.
Follow Farm Sanctuary on Twitter: twitter.com/FarmSanctuary


With the obvious abuse caught on camera for the world to see, this judge turned a blind eye to the abuse and cleared the owner of criminal charges.  Obviously the judge believes that kicking a beating a defenseless animal into submission is standard practice.  And whatever the industry claims is "standard practice", it is allowed to do.  What a crock!  I would love to make up my own rules too.  I have many words to describe this travesty, but I like to keep my blog PG.

Farm Sanctuary Issues Statement on Landmark Animal Welfare Agreement

Watkins Glen, N.Y. – June 30, 2010 –— Today Ohioans for Humane Farms reached an agreement with agriculture interests brokered by the Governor’s office to adopt several measures to protect farm animals. Farm Sanctuary, the nation’s leading farm animal protection organization, has been on the ground in Ohio with the Humane Society of the United States, other humane groups and tireless volunteers working to gather signatures for a ballot initiative to stop cruel factory farming practices in the state.


This agreement includes several reforms that outlaw and phase out cruel practices in Ohio, a state known to have some of the weakest anti-cruelty laws in the nation and no meaningful protections for farm animals. The agreement includes the following measures for farm animals:

A ban on veal crates, to be phased out within six years.

A ban on new gestation crates in the state after December 31, 2010. Existing facilities are grandfathered, but must cease use of these crates within 15 years.

A permanent moratorium on permits for new battery cage facilities in place immediately.

A ban on the transport of downed cows and calves for slaughter.

A ban on strangulation and other forms of on farm killing that are not included in euthanasia standards as outlined by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Enactment of legislation establishing felony-level penalties for cock fighters.

“These reforms represent important progress for farm animals and other animals in Ohio, and we're grateful to all our volunteers in the state who worked so hard to make this happen,” stated Farm Sanctuary President and Co-Founder Gene Baur. “With each step forward, the momentum grows. And as progress is made, the days of factory farming are numbered.”

This agreement was reached on the same day Ohioans for Humane Farms would have delivered more than 500,000 signatures to the Secretary of State. The group gathered enough signatures to put an anti-factory farming measure before Ohio voters in November.

Ohioans for Humane Farms has been supported by several organizations including the Humane Society of the United States, Farm Sanctuary, Ohio SPCA, Toledo Area Humane Society, Geauga Humane Society, Ohio League of Humane Voters, ASPCA, Mercy for Animals, Center for Food Safety, United Farm Workers, Consumer Federation of America, Center for Science in the Public Interest, and many others.

About Farm Sanctuary

Farm Sanctuary is the nation's leading farm animal protection organization. Since incorporating in 1986, Farm Sanctuary has worked to expose and stop cruel practices of the "food animal" industry through research and investigations, legal and institutional reforms, public awareness projects, youth education, and direct rescue and refuge efforts. Farm Sanctuary shelters in Watkins Glen, N.Y., and Orland, Calif., provide lifelong care for hundreds of rescued animals, who have become ambassadors for farm animals everywhere by educating visitors about the realities of factory farming. Additional information can be found at farmsanctuary.org or by calling 607-583-2225.

FARM ANIMAL ADOPTION NETWORK Needs Your Help!

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO HELP!

Farm Sanctuary recently came to the aid of six male Holstein calves, several just days old, who had been abandoned without food or water and left for dead. With much love and care these calves are now thriving, but we are in desperate need of potential adopters for these sweet boys.


Farm Sanctuary operates the country’s largest farm animal rescue and adoption network. Every year, we assist with urgent placement needs — particularly in cruelty cases involving large numbers of animals. When our shelters are full, we depend on compassionate people who want to make a direct difference for a suffering cow, pig, chicken or other farm animal. Since 1986, nearly 3,000 needy farm animals have been given a new beginning — thanks to people all across the country who have room in their hearts and their homes to join our FARM ANIMAL ADOPTION NETWORK (FAAN).

If you want to help these beautiful boys, PLEASE CLICK HERE  and please spread the word by sending this to all your friends on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, ETC.  These boys need our help!  Thanks!