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Animals Seized in Old Town, Maine Cruelty Case are Going "Home for the Holidays" as Far Away as Texas

Watkins Glen, NY - December 16, 2003 - An animal cruelty case in Old Town, Maine has attracted national attention, as people across the country open their homes to rescued animals. Farm Sanctuary, a national farm animal rescue and protection organization, has launched a nationwide adoption effort to bring the animals "home for the holidays," and has placed 35 cattle, sheep, pigs, and goats with families as far away as Texas.

More than 200 sick and dying animals, seized in October from the property of Barry Kennedy of Old Town, were initially relocated to the State of Maine Animal Welfare Society. All of the animals, including cattle, chickens, pigs, goats, ducks, rabbits, turkeys, geese, white mice, guinea pigs, exotic birds, a pony, and dogs and cats, were found languishing in filth.

A goat was confined in a horse trailer with the rotting body of another goat, live turkeys were piled into the back of a pickup truck, pigs were trapped in over eight inches of putrid slop and feces, and thirty chickens were living inside a dilapidated house. The "animals and birds had the run of the property and the stench from the feces and decaying animals was strong," explained one investigator. Over l00 of the animals were so ill they had to be put down by a veterinarian immediately, and many others died later.

Farm Sanctuary appreciates the work of the Department of Agriculture in providing the surviving animals with safe haven. The action sets a precedent for the humane treatment of farm animals nationwide, and will encourage more state departments of agriculture to confiscate suffering farm animals, and ensure that abusers are prosecuted and animals are sent to sanctuaries, rather than livestock auctions.

Old Town police have charged Kennedy with misdemeanor animal cruelty, but it is uncertain whether District Attorney Christopher Almy will prosecute the case. Farm Sanctuary looks forward to an effective prosecution, however, since there is a growing recognition in the U.S. that all animals, including farm animals, deserve protection under the law.

With over 100,000 active members across the country, Farm Sanctuary works to end farm animal suffering through legislation and legal actions, cruelty investigations, humane education, public awareness projects, and direct rescue and shelter efforts.

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 www.farmsanctuary.org or by calling 607-583-2225.