Many of us grow up believing that cows give us milk, chickens give us eggs, sheep give us wool, and meat gives us protein that we need to sustain life. But the biggest misconception is that they “give” us anything: Humans take them, often at the animals’ expense.

In animal agriculture (on factory farms and smaller farms with humane farming claims), humans control how animals live — and how they die. Through selective breeding, farmed animals grow much larger and faster than their ancestors. Their bodies are taxed beyond their natural limits, and they’re killed at fractions of their lifespans — then replaced with younger animals to continue the cycle.

The United States slaughters nearly 10 billion land animals for food each year. Animal agriculture also harms workers, communities, public health, and the environment. And people do not “need” animals to survive — we can sustain our own lives without harming others.

The cows, pigs, sheep, goats, turkeys, chickens, and other rescued animals living at Farm Sanctuary have lives independent of human involvement. They have rich herd and flock dynamics. They have best friends, favorite pastimes, and favorite foods. We value them as individuals — not commodities.

On National Animal Rights Day (June 4, 2023) — and every day — we celebrate our dear friends living at Farm Sanctuary. These survivors are ambassadors for their species, demonstrating how we can live in harmony with animals. Read on to meet some members of our Sanctuary family and learn how you can help more animals like them.

Hayes is a red Holstein — a breed used for dairy — but since males can’t produce milk, they’re often slaughtered for veal or cheap beef. His previous owners purchased him for meat production but abandoned his care, leaving this growing boy without food and neglecting to pay rent for his shelter. The concerned property owner reached out for help, which eventually led Hayes to the safety and comfort of Sanctuary.

Hayes has since settled into his new life at Farm Sanctuary and has found new friends in his herd. He loves to explore and play and is free to live a full and happy life.

• Cows can live up to 20 years.
• Cows used for dairy are typically slaughtered within four to five years.
• In 2018, the average cow used for dairy produced more than 23,000 pounds of milk, compared with 11,500 pounds in 1979 and 5,300 in 1933. This overproduction puts an unbearable strain upon their bodies.
• Male calves are killed between a day and 14 months old.
• Cows raised for beef are slaughtered between 12-15 months of age.
• Breeding mothers live a maximum of 7-9 years.

Ashburn lived on a factory egg farm where she was forced to lay eggs and deprived of the chance to be a mom. When the egg farm shut down, the farmer was tasked with the “depopulation” — better known as mass slaughter — of his hens. Instead, this farmer wanted to give the animals another chance, and after working with local activists, he relinquished 634 of the birds into safe and loving homes — one of which was Ashburn.

Since moving into her new, forever home at our sanctuary, Ashburn has blossomed into a bright and curious hen after receiving individualized care. Here, she’s free to live life on her terms.

• The domesticated chicken’s original ancestor, the red jungle fowl, lays 10-15 eggs per year.
• In 1925, laying hens were bred to produce an average of 112 eggs per hen.
• By 2020, through intensive breeding for increased egg production, laying hens had been manipulated to produce an average of 296 eggs per hen.
• “Organic,” “free-range,” “cage-free,” and other “humane” labels do not guarantee compassionate treatment.
• Most male chicks are destroyed at birth because they can’t lay eggs—and their breeds are typically too small for meat production.
• Chickens can live an average lifespan of 6-10 years.
• Chickens raised for meat are slaughtered around 47 days old.
• Chickens raised for egg-laying are slaughtered around 18 months old.

In 2021, Lizzie, Robbie, and 42 other animals were removed from a cruelty situation in New York’s Finger Lakes region. Rescuers brought some animals to a local humane society and others, including the two pigs, to the Finger Lakes SPCA (FLSPCA). There, the duo grew from scrawny, sickly piglets into lively young adults but the process of finding them a new home took several months, as there are several barriers to finding pigs safe, appropriate homes. After many months of searching, the duo were welcomed to Farm Sanctuary.

Lizzie and Robbie were both bright upon arrival and have blossomed into sweet pigs who often approach visitors with joyful grunts in hopes of getting treats. It is our joy and honor to see them as they are — as individuals worthy of care and love.

• Pigs can live an average lifespan of 15 to 20 years.
• Mother pigs used for breeding, aka “gestation sows,” are typically killed after two to three years.
• Their babies are killed at six months old and processed as pork.

Pippa was born on a farm that raises sheep for meat and her fate would have likely been either slaughter or breeding had she been healthy. However, the farm reported that Pippa seemed partially blind and had an injured hind leg that went weeks without treatment. The farm asked if we could take in Pippa and our Rescue and Placement team stepped in immediately to arrange her transport for Farm Sanctuary.

These days, Pippa lives at our Acton shelter with her new best friend Biscuit, a blind sheep who has taken her in as a companion. Through individualized care at Farm Sanctuary, Pippa can have a rich and happy life filled with friendships, fun, and the agency to choose how she’d like to spend each day.

• Domestic sheep can live between 12-14 years or more.
• Sheep are exploited for wool, meat, and dairy.
• Lambs raised for meat are slaughtered at six months old.

Elsa was one of 24 baby turkeys left in our care. Based on their poor health and appearance, they likely came from a factory farm. The birds were debeaked and had upper respiratory infections; some were too weak to stand. Most turkeys raised for meat are slaughtered by the time they’re five months old; Elsa is eight years old today.

Despite her previous mistreatment by humans, Elsa enjoys our attention. She has grown into a fun and adventurous turkey who is always scouting for food or a cozy spot in the barn.

• The ancestors of domesticated turkeys can live up to 13 years in the wild.
• Turkeys are slaughtered for meat between four and five months old.

Jaime and his best friends Earl and Ian were rescued from severe neglect and came to Farm Sanctuary together. The goats were starving and kept inside filthy, overcrowded barns. Despite this mistreatment, the property owners advertised “humane” farm-to-table products. When the trio first joined us they were hesitant to leave their barn as they had never been outside before — but their strong bond and love for each other gave them the strength to heal.

They are now some of the most playful members of their herd and are often spotted cuddling, their bodies pressed against each other with their necks intertwined.

• Goats can live between 15 and 22 years.
• Goats in animal agriculture are exploited for meat and milk.
• Most goats are slaughtered for meat by the time they’re six months old.

Farm Sanctuary is also home to rescued ducks, geese, donkeys, and horses. Hundreds of rescued animals call our New York and Southern California shelters home. Most are survivors of animal agriculture and abuse, neglect, or other exploitation. They were bred for one purpose: to die.

At Farm Sanctuary, however, we value them as individuals: as someone, not something. They live out their natural lives in freedom. We provide nourishing food, safe barns and warm beds, individualized care, and love. They live with us — not for us.

In letting go of our need to exploit and take from animals, there is joy and there is freedom, for humans and animals. Check out our handy guide to starting a plant-based diet.