There are so many reasons people go vegan!
You can go plant-based for the animals, for the planet, and for your health. Each issue is important and worth reading up on. But in honor of World Vegan Day, we’re offering six very tangible reasons to go vegan—reasons that get to the heart of the matter.
Read on to meet Pietro, Phoenix, Jenny, Biscuit, Alexandra, and Hercules—and if you feel moved, please share their stories!
Rescue date: March 4, 2021
Pietro is irresistibly cute–but in the dairy industry, cute isn’t enough. Pietro is a Holstein calf—a breed commonly raised for dairy. Since males don’t make milk, they’re either killed on the spot or raised for veal or cheap beef. It was nearly the former for Pietro: He was very sick and had a broken leg, which left him too weak for meat production. At the 11th hour, a rescuer stepped in and helped Pietro find Sanctuary.
With comprehensive, individualized care, Pietro made a full recovery. Now, he runs and plays like he never broke his leg at all! He’s making lots of friends in his new herd and is a curious, playful, and affectionate boy who loves a good scratch or cuddle!
Rescue date: July 25, 2020
Thousands of people who say they love animals sit down once or twice a day to enjoy the flesh of creatures who have been utterly deprived of everything that could make their lives worth living and who endured the...terror of the abattoirs.
- Dr. Jane Goodall
Phoenix survived a massive fire on a cage-free egg farm. The blaze killed more than 300,000 trapped hens. Ironically, this fire wound up saving her life. Red Star hens like Phoenix are bred for excessive egg production. Within a year or two, once this production declines, farmers typically send them to slaughter. This occurs even on “humane” farms like the one where Phoenix lived.
At Farm Sanctuary, Phoenix—like her fiery namesake—has risen from the ashes of a horrific past to begin life anew. She now spends her days exploring with friends, dust bathing, and warming her feathers beneath the sun. She’s also part of our Adopt a Farm Animal Program!
Rescue date: Feb. 22, 2021
Jenny was abandoned on the side of the road. She was just a piglet when her rescuer found her, locked in a pet crate in the sweltering heat. She took the ailing piglet to a friend’s home, where they cared for Jenny as she grew. But Jenny’s needs grew as well. The friends started struggling to afford enough food and to provide space for Jenny to live and roam. A relative suggested they send Jenny to slaughter; instead, they helped her find Sanctuary.
Pigs can live for more than a decade when provided proper care—and when people treat them as individuals, not food. They are intelligent, playful, and expressive beings. Here, Jenny has plenty of space to roam and a new pig family to share it with! She’s a joyful and friendly pig who enjoys belly rubs and receiving affection.
Rescue date: Feb. 27, 2021
Biscuit, a blind sheep, was destined for slaughter. He had been separated from his family and left on his own at the back of an auction barn. Within a few days, he’d be killed for meat. Instead, an animal-loving teen discovered the pint-sized sheep while exploring. She immediately fell in love and asked to take him home. She took care of Biscuit for the next seven months, but worried he was lonely for other sheep and arranged to send him to Farm Sanctuary.
As soon as he met his first sheep friend, Biscuit kicked up his heels and started to play! He loves snuggling with his little flock and exploring his new home that he now knows by heart.
GlobalData reported that 70% of the world’s population is reducing or eliminating their consumption of meat.
Rescue date: Mar. 13, 2015
Alexandra came from a factory farm: a windowless building packed with rapidly growing, stressed birds. She was also debeaked, which is an industry practice meant to keep the birds from fighting out of fear and frustration. (Damaged flesh means zero profits.) Most turkeys raised for meat are killed between four and five months old—but Alexandra is now seven! She’s a sweet yet sassy and independent bird who charms everyone she meets.
If you’re inspired by her story, you can symbolically adopt her this holiday season through our Adopt a Turkey Project!
Rescue date: May 20, 2020
This little goat is one of 113 animals we helped rescue from an illegal backyard butcher. The animals were living in appalling, unsafe, and filthy conditions, the majority crammed inside wire cages with minimal access to water and shade. We took in 31 of these animals at our Watkins Glen, New York Sanctuary, while the remaining animals were placed at other sanctuaries.
Hercules’s rescue serves as a reminder that animal cruelty extends beyond factory farming; supporting smaller, local farms like this establishment can be just as damaging. We’re so glad to have been part of the collaborative effort to bring them a life that’s peaceful and free of suffering.
Millions of people worldwide are choosing to go vegan for a multitude of reasons: to save animals, to lessen their impact on the environment, or for their personal health. By choosing plant-based meals over ones with animal products, you can help animals like Pietro and Phoenix. Like Biscuit and Alexandra. Like Hercules and Jenny.
Plant-based alternatives are delicious and help curb the cruelties of the meat, dairy, and egg industry!
If you’re inspired to take the next step, check out our useful guide to help make the transition smoother.
