The farm’s owner faced multiple charges, including aggravated animal cruelty. As the cows were removed from the property, custody of the rescued animals was awarded to Montgomery County SPCA (MCSPCA), which calls the results “a huge win for animals in Pennsylvania” in a recent newsletter. “Livestock cruelty cases are rarely prosecuted…let alone with such a successful outcome.”

After someone kindly fostered the cows and the case was settled, we were able to bring seven of the nine animals to Longleaf Animal Sanctuary in Alabama, a member of our Farm Animal Adoption Network (FAAN), in 2024. There, the cows joined three steers whom we had also found a forever home for at Longleaf Animal Sanctuary. The MCSPCA placed the remaining two cows at Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary in Maryland.

Farm Sanctuary is well-suited to facilitate this type of complex placement operation, utilizing the meaningful connections made through FAAN and transporting animals to safety. The compassionate FAAN community allows us to save as many lives as possible, turning to trusted adopters and sanctuaries when we need to find farm animals a permanent home outside of our own shelters.

“Today, these Holstein Heifers—once emaciated and sickly—are living glorious lives at beautiful sanctuaries,” writes the MCSPCA. “They receive nothing but love, kindness, and all the best care possible, thanks to our friends at Longleaf Animal Sanctuary, Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary, Farm Sanctuary, and the Large Animal Protection Society.”

Collaboration is often key when farm animals need help, and we are fortunate to work with authorities like the MCSPCA and FAAN partners like Longleaf Animal Sanctuary. Thanks to many remarkable rescuers, there’s only kindness and care ahead for nine cows who once needed a second chance.