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Celebrate Independence Day With Rescued Farm Animals

Farm Sanctuary's annual Pignic features free food and tours on Wednesday, July 4.

Watkins Glen, NY, and Orland, CA - June 27, 2007 - Free food and face time with farm animals is the order of the day at Farm Sanctuary's annual Pignic, held Wednesday, July 4, at our New York and California Shelters. Enjoy the summer holiday with a stroll around the expansive sanctuaries and meet some of the more than 1,100 turkeys, chickens, pigs, rabbits, cows, goats and sheep rescued from abuse.

Farm Sanctuary, the nation's leading farm animal protection organization, will offer free tours on the hour from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tours step off from our People Barn, an educational center highlighting Farm Sanctuary's work on behalf of farm animals during the past 20 years. Complimentary vegan hot dogs and non-dairy ice cream from Turtle Mountain also will be provided to guests.

"Our Pignics really capture the spirit of Independence Day," said Michelle Waffner, Farm Sanctuary education manager. "There's nothing more illustrative of freedom than animals who've experienced abuse, confinement and cruelty able to live their lives to the fullest at our sanctuary."

Socks the pig is one such soul. A new resident of Farm Sanctuary's New York Shelter, Socks arrived battered and bruised after having fallen off a transport truck in Springfield, Mass. When Socks came to our shelter, he was terrified and mistrustful of people. Under the tutelage of four other rescued pigs, Socks slowly came out of his shell. He's now a boisterous, charismatic young pig, friendly to visitors and animals alike.

At our California Shelter, Billy, Casey and Phoenix are ready to greet visitors. These adorable calves were pulled off a transport truck headed for a slaughterhouse. Only hours old at the time, the boys had been discarded by a dairy operation that had no use for the sickly newborns. The trio was nursed back to health, and the calves now live a carefree existence romping and playing together at our California Shelter.

Directions to our California Shelter: The farm is about 1.5 hours north of Sacramento and 30 minutes west of Chico. From Interstate 5, take the Orland exit marked Chico/CA-32. Turn west off of the freeway onto Newville Road (a.k.a. Road 200). Travel west approximately 9 miles until you see Farm Sanctuary on the right at 19080 Newville Rd. There is a large Farm Sanctuary entranceway sign at the road, and a cluster of brown barns. The People Barn will be the first building on the left as you come up the driveway.

Directions to our New York Shelter: From Watkins Glen, follow Route 409 West (up hill on Fourth Street) and turn right onto Route 23/28. Stay on Route 23 as it branches off to the left (one mile). Continue on Route 23 for eight miles, then turn left onto Aikens Road. Follow Aikens Road for two miles until you see the People Barn on the left. Look for Farm Sanctuary signs along the way.

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.