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Farm Sanctuary’s Annual Coast-to-Coast Walk for Farm Animals Returns in 2009

Rescue, Education and Advocacy Organization’s Nationwide Walk Events Help Put Farm Animal Issues on the Map in Cities Across the U.S. and Canada

WATKINS GLEN, NY – June 26, 2009 –  This fall, thousands of people in dozens of cities throughout North America will put on their walking shoes and march in the annual Walk for Farm Animals to raise funds for and awareness about Farm Sanctuary, the nation’s leading farm animal protection organization. Like Farm Sanctuary’s other vital efforts for farm animals — from rescue work to public education programs and campaigns — the Walk shines a bright spotlight on the severe suffering that billions of animals raised and slaughtered for food endure every year.

“We walk because the animals confined and crowded on factory farms cannot,” said Farm Sanctuary Education Director Michelle Waffner. “Veal calves, pregnant pigs and egg-laying hens spend their entire lives in crates and cages so small they cannot even lie down comfortably, turn around or fully extend their limbs. When people find out about the horrific conditions animals are forced to endure behind the closed doors of factory farms, they are appalled. The Walks provide an opportunity for us to educate millions of people about the realities of this brutal, profit-driven system, and the intelligent, sensitive beings it exploits.”

Farm Sanctuary seeks to end cruel confinement for farm animals through their national public outreach campaigns and advocacy programs, and was one of the main organizational forces behind California’s successful Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act. This historic ballot initiative, which voters passed in November 2008 by an almost two-thirds majority, effectively banned battery cages, gestation crates and veal crates in the nation’s top agricultural state. Five other states have passed similar laws since 2002, and anti-confinement bills are currently under consideration in Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, and Rhode Island.  

Last year’s record-breaking Walk for Farm Animals raised more than $265,000 for Farm Sanctuary’s lifesaving work from people who pledged to financially support their friends’, family members’ and co-workers’ participation in the walk-a-thons, as well as from corporate sponsors that gave generously to the cause. Of equal importance, Walk participants brought a powerful message of compassion to the streets in 58 cities with the aid of eye-catching t-shirts, banners and literature to educate passersby. Those interested in registering for the 2009 Walk or coordinating an event in their area can learn more at walkforfarmanimals.org. All participants receive a limited-edition 2009 Walk t-shirt designed by Herbivore Magazine Founder Josh Hooten, and there are special prizes for walkers who reach fundraising milestones.

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.