Dear friend of farm animals, I wrote to you on Saturday morning from the scene of what might be the worst animal abuse I have ever witnessed. We were on a grotesque property in New York’s Hudson Valley rescuing animals until long after dark. If you have already responded to this situation, we are so grateful for your support. Although a lot has been accomplished over the past 72 hours, our effort to save these animals is just beginning. They still desperately need our help. Please support Farm Sanctuary during this emergency rescue. Many of you have asked what will happen to the man keeping these animals in such deplorable conditions. We’ve been informed that charges will be brought, and much of the case will hinge on what we witnessed on the property and the paperwork we are compiling on the condition of each of these victims. With that in mind, we worked hard to document the abuse we saw on Saturday. But many of the pictures are too gruesome to share.

After a four-hour drive, our team was on the scene by 9 am. But, it wasn’t in time to save a cow that was slaughtered earlier that morning. Inside a barn was a pile of fresh cattle organs, entrails, and the entire head of the bull with only the hide removed. Hooves had been cut off the legs and were propped against a wall near the organs. A bloody chainsaw and sawzall were tossed to the side. Fresh blood pooled on the property like it had rained blood the night before.

But that was just the beginning.

There were nearly 200 animals suffering on the property, and Farm Sanctuary took the sickest of them, allowing healthier animals to be brought to other shelters and homes. At the end of the horrible day, Farm Sanctuary had 30 goats, 4 pigs, 5 calves, 2 adult cattle, and 7 sheep in our care—and every one of them is in critical need.

There are two piglets in dire straits. We are trying to save them, but their mother is so psychologically damaged and fiercely protective after years of abuse. She has only two babies -- we believe she must have lost the majority of her piglets -- and she lunges at us when she feels her babies are threatened. It’s very sad. We’re working hard to earn her trust so we can get her piglets the urgent care they need. They are beautiful and deserve to live. Please help us save and care for these animals and others like them.

Meanwhile, it’s touch-and-go for the goats. Of the 30 rescued, four are babies who clearly lost their mothers. They are skin and bones and desperately looking to nurse on anyone. We’ve started them on milk, but it is so heartbreaking to know that their moms are likely among the dead animals we had to step over to get to those in need.

The older goats are in equally bad shape. One male goat had blood dripping out of his nose due to a horn broken off at the skull but still held on by skin. The horn is part of the skull and goes into the sinus, so this poor boy was bleeding directly into his sinus. The surgery to repair this injury is tricky, but we are hopeful.

We have emaciated goats with pneumonia, starving sheep covered in maggots, their wool unshorn for years, malnourished calves with severe pinkeye, terrified pigs, and more. They require around-the-clock care, and even those who may someday be able to be adopted to safe homes will spend many months recovering at our Watkins Glen, New York shelter. All this before what is likely to be a horrendous winter.

Rescuing and caring for abused farm animals is a top priority, but we cannot do it without continuing support.

Knowing that their abuser will face charges gives me some measure of hope that something positive can come from this horror. The outpouring of support from caring people like you also feeds my optimism that we can save these animals and put an end to this kind of cruelty.

If you already made a donation, thank you. But the need is so great, I urge you to show your generosity again now.

If you can help, please do. Donate now.

Your support of our Emergency Rescue Fund will allow Farm Sanctuary to continue rescuing farm animals from horrible conditions, transporting them to safety, and providing them with lifelong care at our shelters or in loving adoptive homes.

Sincerely,



Susie Coston

National Shelter Director

Photo credit: Farm Sanctuary Staff

Farm Sanctuary | PO Box 150, Watkins Glen, NY 14891 | 607-583-2225

Farm Sanctuary’s financial report and state registration information.

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