Back in the 1860s, carriage horses in Philadelphia were having a difficult time.
Forced to pull heavy coal or loaded trolleys with very little rest or water, they were often whipped or beaten when they inevitably became too exhausted to move. A group of Philadelphian women saw this abuse and decided that enough was enough. They founded the Women’s Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and worked to raise money for drinking fountains for horses.
But saving horses wasn’t enough. The women wanted to help more animals. They took over the Philadelphia Dog Pound, where animals were often shot or clubbed to death, and transformed it into an animal shelter—one of the first refuges for neglected and abused animals in the US.
Farm Sanctuary
Today, more than 150 years later, sanctuaries are a lifeline for America’s neglected and abused animals. Unlike zoos, which often breed animals and operate for profit, sanctuaries provide a haven for animals in need. Their sole purpose is to care for animals and give them the best possible quality of life. They deserve recognition and celebration, which is why Farm Sanctuary is launching a new initiative to do just that.
The first global Sanctuary Day will take place on April 17 and aims to honor the work of farm animal sanctuaries across the US. These sanctuaries focus specifically on farm animals, often rescuing those who have been abused on industrialized factory farms.
“Like all animals, farm animals have feelings and deserve to be treated with kindness. Sanctuaries affirm the right of animals to live in peace and dignity, and we oppose their exploitation and slaughter. We support Sanctuary Day and the lifesaving work of sanctuaries worldwide.” —Participating sanctuaries in Sanctuary Day
Farm Sanctuary: The pioneer of farm animal protection
The Women’s Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals helped pioneer animal protection in the US, but it would take nearly 100 years before similar refuge was widely extended to farm animals. That shift began in 1986, when Farm Sanctuary was established in New York.
Today, there are two Farm Sanctuary locations—one in Watkins Glen, NY, and another in Los Angeles—both of which provide respite to hundreds of animals harmed by the food system. They’re not alone. More than 160 sanctuaries around the world will join Farm Sanctuary in marking the first Sanctuary Day. Each will observe the day in a way that suits their mission and community, whether by hosting public events or holding more private gatherings for volunteers.
Farm Sanctuary
“Forty years ago, the idea of a farm animal sanctuary was unheard of,” said Gene Baur, President and Co‑founder of Farm Sanctuary. “Today, it’s a global movement powered by people who believe farm animals deserve safety, dignity, and respect. Sanctuary Day is a celebration of our collective progress and the compassionate communities working every day to build a kinder world.”
To find out if there is a participating sanctuary near you, learn more about Sanctuary Day here.
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Charlotte is a VegNews editor and writer based in sunny Southsea on England's southern coast.
