Date Rescued: August 25, 2021
Lives at: Farm Sanctuary in Watkins Glen, New York
History: Rescued from neglect
Personality: Curious and charming
Favorite Pastime: Playing with his friends

Spurlino’s rescue and adoption took more than two years.

In 2019, the Finger Lakes SPCA (FLSPCA) removed over a dozen animals, including Spurlino, from a neglected property. They were sick and emaciated; others had been left to die. Farm Sanctuary agreed to take in 10 from the group — four cows, five geese, and one goat — while custody hearings took place. The property owner was fighting to retain ownership, despite the animals’ conditions from this lack of care.

After multiple court delays, we received custody of the group in the summer of 2021. At this time, we also welcomed three more animals — Spurlino and two other cows from this case — who had been staying at the FLSPCA.

Spurlino now lives with a herd at Farm Sanctuary’s New York shelter. He’s active and playful, whether nudging balls and other toys or running through the pastures with his new friends. He also seeks attention from people and can finally enjoy the care and love that he deserves.

Date Rescued: April 30, 2022
Lives at: Farm Sanctuary in Acton, California
History: Rescued from a sheep farm
Personality: Affectionate and playful
Favorite Pastime: Running in her wheelchair

Pippa came from a farm that raises lambs for meat. In this industry, healthy lambs reach their “slaughter weight” between six and eight months old. Pippa, however, was “failing to thrive.” Farm staff also told us that, as a commercial operation, they lacked the time and funds to invest in her care.

In many cases, farmers cull ailing animals or leave them to die. Luckily, Pippa’s owners asked if we could take her off their hands. We brought her to a veterinary hospital, where doctors found a severe infection in her right rear hock. They tried treatment but ultimately recommended amputation to give Pippa the best quality of life.

Pippa recovered at our New York shelter. Two months later, we brought her to our California sanctuary and to her new best friend — a blind sheep named Biscuit who also needed a companion. Pippa now uses a wheelchair, which helps her run and play. She’s a sweet, gentle lamb who loves to cuddle and bond with her friends.

Date Rescued: August 31, 2021
Lives at: Farm Sanctuary in Watkins Glen, New York
History: Rescued from a 4-H program and slaughter
Personality: Outgoing and assertive
Favorite Pastime: Exploring the pasture

Allan’s former young guardian raised him through 4-H: an after-school program with several focus areas, including animal husbandry. Students in this field tend to an animal’s care, show the animal at local fairs, and then “complete” their projects by selling them at auction. Many students, naturally having grown attached to their animal companions, are dismayed that their friends will be slaughtered for meat.

Allan’s family felt he deserved to live and found him a temporary home at a New York humane society. There, he befriended another young pig named Jack, who had also survived meat production. The boys were a friendly but rowdy pair who sometimes broke through the shelter’s fencing on their daily pasture digs. Concerned for their safety, the humane society asked if we could bring them to live at our New York shelter.

At Farm Sanctuary, Allan is a leader of his herd. He and Jack enjoy rooting through their pastures, soaking in mud, and claiming the best sleeping spots in the barn.