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From Slaughter to Sanctuary: Wayward Goat Finds Refuge Through Farm Sanctuary

Watkins Glen, NY - February 3, 2005 - A goat likely destined for slaughter has found sanctuary, thanks to the kindness of a North Carolina family.

Dubbed "Oliver" by his rescuers, the six-month-old pygmy goat was initially found wandering the chilly streets of Manhattan with "Sold" spray-painted across his side. The marking is typical for animals bought from livestock auctions and destined for slaughter.

Thanks to a growing market for "halal" slaughter in recent years, goats and sheep within city limits are no longer entirely anomalous on the streets of a busy metropolis like New York City. Unfortunately, these animals - more often than not - face rough lives and even rougher deaths. Because halal slaughter guidelines require that animals not be 'injured' at the time of their deaths, the animals are not stunned prior to slaughter, something that theoretically renders them insensible to pain. Instead, their throats are slit while they are fully conscious so that they can bleed to death - a process that, according to some reports, can take several agonizing minutes. Because of religious exemptions, halal slaughterers do not need to comply with state and federal regulations that otherwise require animals to be stunned prior to slaughter.

Fortunately for Oliver, this grim fate is but a distant memory as he embarks on his journey to Davidson, North Carolina to meet Jeni and Lee Cooper, who recently established a sanctuary for 'mini' farm animals on their property. Once there, Oliver will join Henry, another rescued pygmy goat, as the Cooper's second rescued animal.

"We are thrilled to have found such a perfect home for Oliver with the Coopers," said Susie Coston, Farm Sanctuary's Director of Placement and Shelter. "I only wish that every abused farm animal could be as lucky as Oliver." On Friday, February 4, Farm Sanctuary's Placement Coordinator Kate Walker will be delivering Oliver to his new home.

Every year, Farm Sanctuary places hundreds of rescued farm animals like Oliver in loving, safe homes across the United States.

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.