Everything Under The Sun: Safety And Comfort For Rescued Farm Animals

Saturday, January 14, 2017

Safety And Comfort For Rescued Farm Animals

Sweet Mama is getting some extra treats, while sheltered in the barn.

Lenore Bradford has been a committed volunteer since she was in middle school, when she began spending time with children with disabilities. As she grew older, she became interested farm animals while she was attending Oberlin College. She quickly noticed and became concerned about how society views and treats animals. That passion led her to become a vegan in 2007 and then to found a farm animal sanctuary, PIEDMONT FARM ANIMAL REFUGE, located in Pittsboro, NC.

The refuge accepted its first rescued chicken, Robby, in 2014. Robby was purchased when he was a chick, ostensibly to lay eggs, but that was ruled out when Robby was found to be a male. He would have been slaughtered for his meat but for the intervention of one person, who contacted the refuge and he was taken in. Subsequently, the refuge became the home of a flock of chickens and turkeys, who were rescued factory farms, cruelty situations, or shelters. More recently, the refuge has added a duck, goats, and sheep.

Besides being a rescue, the refuge also is engaged in educating the public about factory farms. Some innovative literature has been created, and along with guided tours of the sanctuary and other creative educational experiences, helps to raise the public's awareness about the cruel practices that have been allowed to occur on factory farms.

Ms. Bradford discussed why she is devoted to this type of awareness-raising, "What is done to animals in factory farms is very far from being just, and we will help to open people's eyes to the realities of the industry. We believe that planting this seed of knowledge about the horrific treatment of animals being raised for food will lead to more people not supporting it. Not only is factory farming harmful for the animals, it has a devastating effect on the environment and to human health, and is one of the largest evils that exists in our world today."

One of the chickens enjoys a straw layer to keep in the warmth.

In addition, the Refuge is committed to supporting vegan choices. Piedmont provide such supports as cooking classes, bake sales, food-tastings and participation in other food-related events to expose the public to the vegan lifestyle. This organization provides a way for those interested, or even skeptical to take small or large steps towards living the vegan way, and can even mentor those who desire that service.