In September our New York Shelter welcomed cows Tink, Peter, and Rufio; chickens Mary, Jo, Beth, and Amy; and duck Ping. The animals were skinny and crawling with parasites, and the birds were terrified. Their existence up to that point had been meager and precarious. Little did they know how much better life was about to become.

The group had been languishing on a property in New York’s Orange County. When state police received a complaint about animals receiving poor care at the site, they performed a search, discovering not only the three cows, four chickens, and one duck but also 48 rabbits, three horses, three goats, a pot-bellied pig, a dog, and a cat, all suffering neglect. The animals were confiscated, and the couple that owned the property was arrested. We learned of the case through rescue group Pets Alive, which worked with the police to find placement for the rescued animals. Along with other organizations, we offered a home to some of these survivors.

Our eight newcomers had been depleted by neglect, but they proved themselves quite resilient. With care and treatment, they are already thriving and really enjoying life. The birds are still frightened, but their confidence will soon receive a boost when they join our larger flocks and find themselves surrounded by feathered friends. Then they can truly begin to make the most of their new lives at sanctuary.

Now that they’re healthier, the cows are relishing their time outside. Rufio, the big steer, is a feisty guy. He is very playful and maybe a bit too bossy, but once he joins our main herd, the incumbent big shots may convince him to mellow out. We can tell he is eager to meet everyone.

Young Tink and Peter have already joined the herd, and our elderly cows are completely enamored with these little ones. Though still shy, the two are slowly warming to their caregivers as well. Tink and Peter are inseparable friends, and having each other makes exploring their new world that much better.

Countless farm animals suffer the sort of neglect Tink and the others escaped. As the factory farming machine grinds on, inflicting its own abuses, a plethora of smaller transactions at livestock auctions and between individuals hastens scores of animals to slaughter, finishing operations, and elsewhere. It is all too easy for hoarders and abusers to get their hands on farm animals. And in the dearth of strong cruelty laws and vigorous enforcement for these species, it is all too hard to take them away from their abusers and to keep the perpetrators from buying more.

Thanks to the concerned local who made the complaint and the state police who responded, Tink and the others are among the lucky few who make it out of such situations alive. Their loyalty, spirit, and joy are vivid reminders to everyone who meets them that all animals deserve better.