In the U.S., 27 million animals are slaughtered each day. That’s a staggering 10 billion animals annually.
Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary (Woodstock, New York 12498) is a non-profit organization and shelter that works to end the systematic abuse of animals used for food. At the heart of its mission is the hands-on work of rescuing, rehabilitating, and caring for farm animal refugees — as well as educating the public about the horrific treatment of animals who are raised in large, industrial factory farm systems.
Many people don’t realize how dramatically meat and dairy production in the U.S. has changed over the past 50 years. Childhood images of happy animals living on sunny, idyllic farms couldn’t be further from reality. The majority of animals that are raised for food — or their products — live miserable lives in intensive confinement in dark, overcrowded facilities called “factory farms.” These operations emphasize high volume and profit with little regard for the environment or humane treatment of animals.
Surrounded by the Catskill Mountains in the famous town of Woodstock, New York, WFAS provides sanctuary to cows, pigs, chickens, turkeys, sheep, and goats who have been rescued from cases of abuse, neglect and abandonment. It is a place where visitors can come face to face with these animals that most only know as “dinner” and learn about the devastating effects of modern-day agribusiness on the animals, the environment and human health. Here you can frolic with goats in a large open pasture, sit down with a pig who wants nothing more than a belly rub, cuddle with chickens who seek out your attention, or get nuzzled by some very friendly sheep.
WFAS is driven by the simple philosophy that kindness and respect to animals is our moral duty and that all the creatures that share this earth are here with us and not for us. Like our faithful dogs and lap-sitting cats, farm animals are feeling individuals who deserve to be treated with compassion and to live free of fear and suffering.
