INTERVIEWS:
We occasionally talk with people that work in animal rescue. Maybe their stories will inspire you to take action for the animals!
New interview: Lynn Hummer, Founder of Pregnant Mare Rescue (2/24/08)
New interview: Beverly Sebastian, Founder of Second Chance at Life (2/24/08)
Older interviews:
Laura Beck of Rocket Dog Rescue (3/25/07)
Abigail Christman, Board Member of Operation Scooby (12/30/06)
How did Farm Sanctuary come to be?
“When Farm Sanctuary started in 1986, its goal was exactly as it remains today: To combat industrialized farming and to encourage an awareness and understanding of farm animals. The all-volunteer organization continued to take in animals and fight for legislation to protect farm animals, and today has grown into the nation’s leading farm animal protection organization, with over 50 employees and hundreds of thousands of supporters. Its first rescued animal, a sheep named Hilda pulled from a ‘deadpile,’ lived 11 long, happy years at Farm Sanctuary. Today, over 1,200 rescued farm animals reside at the sanctuary’s locations in Watkins Glen, New York and Orland, California.”
How did you personally get involved in animal rescue?
“Growing up, a close friend of our family was a veterinarian and I really loved spending time with him. I learned a lot about animals and I had many animal companions, including the strays I continually brought home. During my 20s, I did a great deal of dog and cat rescue, which was very rewarding. Professionally, I was a teacher, so in the summer when school was out I worked at other sanctuaries and vet clinics, which is where I acquired my experience taking care of animals, in addition to my exposure to farm animals, who I instantly fell in love with. ”
What is a typical day for you like at the sanctuary?
“A typical workday for me usually includes doing healthcare on the animals, which is comprised of administering daily medications or medical treatments for any ailments they may have. All of the animals here have very extensive, individual health records that are updated as treatments are completed. I currently have a staff of sixteen, so on other days I make certain that healthcare is being done, in addition to feeds and barn cleaning. There are ongoing projects and other jobs that include ordering supplies, feeds, medications, medical supplies, and bedding. I must also make sure that all our current building projects are being done and are on schedule, in addition to checking fence lines and ensuring fencing of areas are completed and maintained. There are also vet visits and a host of other tasks that need to be prioritized and completed. Essentially, I have to make sure that the farm is running smoothly. After all, this is a working farm but with a twist: All of the animals here are treated compassionately and are not seen as products. They are our number one priority.”
What are common misconceptions about farm animals?
“Just like humans, farm animals form life-long friendships. Many relationships even cross over to other species. At Farm Sanctuary, we had a duck and a chicken who were inseparable. It’s ironic that, while farm animals bond with one another, often staying nearby to care for weaker, sick or aging animals, it’s humans who hide away aging relatives in old age homes. Another belief is that the mothering instinct has been bred out of dairy cows. Maya, a 20-year old cow and long-time resident of Farm Sanctuary, has ‘adopted’ and mothered nearly every calf that has passed through our doors. Meanwhile, mother cows on dairy farms can be heard crying out for days after their calves are taken away to veal and beef farms. There is also a misconception that farm animals don’t feel the pain of confinement. Cows, pigs and veal calves suffer horribly, enduring the same agonizing conditions that humans would experience, like swollen joints and lameness, not to mention the mental torture of boredom and fear. The bottom line is that most people don’t think of farm animals as sentient beings that communicate and bond with one another, but these animals share many ‘human’ traits.”
What is the best thing that the average person can do in the interest of farm animals?
“Most importantly, the average person can step back and evaluate where their food comes from and seriously consider making dietary changes. If they truly understood the cruelties involved in consuming meat and dairy, we believe most people would change their diets to one based on vegetables, fruits, beans, and grains. In addition to the horrific treatment of innocent animals, the environmental implications of raising animals for food are devastating on the water we drink and the air we breathe. Additionally, the factory farming industry utilizes billions of gallons of water that can be used to grow more crops to feed more people. Farm Sanctuary can help interested individuals by providing them with these facts, in addition to delicious vegetarian recipes that are better for them, since studies consistently prove that vegetarians live longer, healthier lives.”
Do you have any advice for anyone who has thought about volunteering in animal rescue but hasn't taken that first step yet?
“With so many homeless animals and feral cats in nearly every town and city, most people don’t have to look very far if they are interested in helping animals. Simply contacting your local SPCA or Humane Society can open up a world of opportunity to walk dogs, foster kittens, trap feral cats, fundraise, or assist at spay/neuter clinics. Depending on where you live, there may be a sanctuary nearby that rescues wild animals or farm animals that could use volunteer help. An Internet search can point you in the right direction. Here at Farm Sanctuary, we offer internships and volunteering opportunities, which include a place to stay. Interns are plugged into a host of tasks, including animal feeding, healthcare, barn cleaning, healthcare projects, and vet trips. Another way to find out about animal rescue work is to introduce yourself to your local vegetarian group. Even if you’re not a vegetarian, you can be assured that members of the group either volunteer for animals or know someone who does. If you can’t volunteer with animals directly, you can participate in fundraising events, such as Farm Sanctuary’s Walk for Farm Animals. That way, you are still contributing to rescuing animals.”
-- Farm Sanctuary --
photos courtesy of Farm Sanctuary