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Twenty-Six Surviving Goats and Sheep from Wisconsin Cruelty Case Find Refuge at Farm Sanctuary

Montello, WI and Watkins Glen, NY - September 22, 2004 - Farm Sanctuary, a leading farm animal rescue shelter and advocacy organization, will take custody of 26 goats and sheep that have survived long-term neglect and abuse. Farm Sanctuary's Emergency Rescue and Rehabilitation Center has coordinated the transport and delivery of these animals from their current temporary refuge in Wisconsin to the New York Farm Sanctuary in Watkins Glen on September 28, 2004 where the animals will receive emergency health care and rehabilitation before they are placed in loving adoptive homes.

This severe case of neglect and abuse dates back to the fall of 2002, when the first cruelty report was documented - a goat was found dead and decaying, hanging on the fence of a Wisconsin farm. No action was taken until the following spring when Fausto Florez, the owner of the farm, was finally charged with 20 felony counts of mistreatment of an animal resulting in death. Investigators found 26 dead animals piled throughout the farm amongst 39 live goats and sheep left with no food or water. The deceased goats and sheep allegedly died of starvation, water deprivation and neglect. One mother goat died while giving birth, with her baby attached to her dead body.

When the goats and sheep were found, a local animal protection group began caring for them on the Florez property. Later, the group was granted custody of the remaining animals, moving them to a nearby farm for temporary holding. Lack of a full support staff and mounting expenses for their care prompted the group to contact Farm Sanctuary for assistance.

With the recent addition of a hospital facility, Farm Sanctuary is able to take in these goats and sheep, and will provide them with the healthcare they desperately need. Many of the animals are suffering from foot rot, which causes damage to the tendons of their front legs, leading them to walk on their knees. Months of intense physical therapy and possible surgery will be needed to correct this debilitating condition.

"I wish I could say that I've never seen a case as cruel and horrendous as this one," said Susie Coston, New York Farm Sanctuary Shelter Director. "Unfortunately, I've seen many as disturbing, but they never get any easier to experience. That's why it's so important to recognize those people involved in this case from the beginning. Wisconsin residents Chris Wollert, Carol Austin, Dennis Briese, Joe Harrings and Patricia Randolph have cared for these survivors and have been instrumental in getting these animals fostered at Farm Sanctuary. These people are the best among us. I can only hope that Mr. Florez sees the err of his ways while he serves a maximum sentence for his crimes."

The charges issued against Florez can carry a fine of $10,000 per incident and three and a half years imprisonment per violation. A ruling on this case is expected in spring 2005.

About Farm Sanctuary
Farm Sanctuary is the nation's leading farm animal protection organization. Since incorporating in 1986, Farm Sanctuary has worked to expose and stop cruel practices of the "food animal" industry through research and investigations, legal and institutional reforms, public awareness projects, youth education, and direct rescue and refuge efforts. Farm Sanctuary shelters in Watkins Glen, N.Y., and Orland, Calif., provide lifelong care for hundreds of rescued animals, who have become ambassadors for farm animals everywhere by educating visitors about the realities of factory farming. Additional information can be found at www.farmsanctuary.org or by calling 607-583-2225.