Generous and kindhearted individuals empower Farm Sanctuary to rescue and care for hundreds of farm animals and advocate for millions still exploited. Ryan Platt and his family are three of those world-changing supporters.
Ryan’s family have been dedicated members of the Farm Sanctuary community since 2007. They have supported numerous projects in memory of their loved one, Andy Stallman, who passed away in 2003.
Their son Ryan has followed in their footsteps, devoted to supporting the cause of farm animal advocacy and rescue.
“My parents have been working with and supporting many animal shelters for a long time,” says Ryan.
Applying his talents to advocating for farm animals and those who work on their behalf, Ryan created a booklet for Green Chimneys Farm and Wildlife Center. This organization, he says, has since printed thousands of copies to teach children participating in their programs.
“Some time afterward, my Dad suggested I try to do a similar booklet for Farm Sanctuary, which is one of his and my favorites,” Ryan recalls. “I loved what I saw when I visited [their Watkins Glen sanctuary]. We’ve also been helping them for many years. So, working with Farm Sanctuary staff and with access to their available graphics, I produced this booklet for them to use for visitors and potential donors.”
Farm Sanctuary: Where Animals Are Friends – Not Food by Ryan Platt
The comic book, “Farm Sanctuary: Where Animals Are Friends — Not Food,” beautifully tells the story of our organization, founded in 1986 to “combat the abuses of factory farming and encourage a new awareness and understanding about farm animals.”
Ryan shares the stories of a few of our inspiring and resilient rescued residents:
Ari
Ari cow was sick and weak when abandoned at a live animal market, but he blossomed into a thriving, gentle giant in our care, reaching over 2,500 pounds. He also met a best friend: Nick cow.
Milton
Milton cow, born on a dairy farm, was deemed useless because he couldn’t produce milk and was too sick to sell. Thankfully, a kind neighbor convinced the farmer to surrender him to us.
Delilah and her daughter, Marilyn. Photo: Jo-Anne McArthur.
Delilah goat was saved from severe neglect, suffering from untreated foot problems. Not only did she regain her ability to walk, but it turned out she was pregnant, and she gave birth to her twins, Marilyn and Ingrid, in our care.
As Ryan includes in his book, “At Farm Sanctuary, these animals are our friends, not our food. We educate millions of people about their plight and the effects of factory farming on our health and our environment. We advocate for laws and policies to prevent suffering and promote compassion, and we reach out to legislators and businesses to bring about institutional reforms.”
People like Ryan and his parents make that critical work possible. Together, we are building the good for animals, people, and the planet.
