A sweet sheep named Dottie gave birth to twin boys on January 21, 2021, in Dutchess County, NY. What should have been a joyous event for Dottie was likely one of great stress. Dottie’s baby boys – Freckles and Patches – entered the world to severe neglect. They lived with dozens of other sheep and goats, all lacking shelter, food, or even the most basic care.

Concerned neighbors made multiple calls to the authorities, pleading for intervention. Despite their persistence, none came. Thankfully, that did not stop these heroic neighbors, who decided to take matters into their own hands. After contacting the owner, they sprung to action, performing critical daily care and construction projects that included –

• Tarping up the herd’s dilapidated barn
• Ensuring the sheep and goats received regular meals
• Bringing them water twice a day after breaking through ice on their frozen pond
• Erecting large dog kennels to keep the herd’s more than 20 babies safe from predators
• Arranging for veterinary care and shearing

Knowing these animals needed safe, permanent homes, the devoted caregivers contacted Farm Sanctuary. Of course, we would help. Over many months and with the help of many people, we secured new homes for several members of the herd, including five connections through our Farm Animal Adoption Network (FAAN). While we’ve completed three transportations (two to the Midwest and one to a home in New York), our longest trip remains ahead of us.

This year, on March 31, we arrived at the boarding facility where the remaining 19 animals were temporarily living to pick up the little sheep family – Dottie, Freckles, and Patches. Though nervous and a little afraid of humans (rightfully), the rescue could not have gone better, as they arrived safely at our Watkins Glen, NY sanctuary later that day. The trio will now spend two weeks in our care before being transported to their new home in Florida.

Thanks to the teamwork between FAAN and the Animals Rights Foundation of Florida, together, we were both able to secure the family a safe, permanent home at a qualified sanctuary where they will live the rest of their lives knowing only peace and kindness.

Unfortunately, Dottie’s and her boys’ story of triumph is the exception rather than the norm for sheep. Despite being capable of feeling complex and deep emotions, hundreds of millions of sheep are abused and slaughtered yearly worldwide for their milk, wool, and meat. The dominant view that these animals are commodities for exploitation leads to unimaginable situations like Dottie’s – where they suffer treatment that no living beings deserve.

Our Farm Animal Adoption Network is a nationwide collective of people and sanctuaries that provide forever homes for farm animals in need. In 2021 and 2022, we received 3,085 requests, representing more than 19,000 animals in need – while some are survivors of animal agriculture, others are victims of neglect and cruelty. Collaborating with other sanctuaries and private homes, we maintain a compassionate community of carefully screened, qualified adopters committed to protecting farm animals from exploitation and ensuring that each rescued individual leads an enriching life.

After safely placing Dottie and her sons in their new home, 16 still need homes. We are committed to working until each has a safe place to spend the rest of their life.

We’re always looking for new members to join our Farm Animal Adoption Network and accept applications year-round. Or, if you want to help these animals with no barn required, join our symbolic Adopt a Farm Animal Program and sponsor one of our rescued residents! Your support helps provide their ongoing care, allowing us to rescue and re-home more families like Dottie and her boys.

Following our placement of Dottie, Freckles, and Patches, our FAAN team continued to work tirelessly with this group of sheeps’ rescuer to find the rest of the sheep loving, stable homes. On August 18, our team began another transport to place a family of five sheep in their new home at Peaceful Fields Sanctuary in Winchester, VA.

The five sheep include the blind Xena, her child Champion, and the rest of her family, Kylie, Spirit, and Elsa. The group spent a couple of weeks at our Watkins Glen sanctuary before embarking on their final journey to their new, permanent home. These sheep are some of the lucky few farm animals that get to remain together, avoid slaughter, and live out their lives in peace.

Since we were first contacted about this neglect situation, we have assisted in finding 26 sheep and goats new homes, but there is still work to do. 11 sheep still remain in their original rescuer, Julianne MacDonald’s care and our Rescue & Placement team will continue to work with Julieanne to find homes for these remaining survivors.

We’re so thankful for our friends at Peaceful Fields Sanctuary and to all of the individuals, organized by Julianne, who have stepped in to provide care for the group of sheep who have needed help since early 2021. Rescues of this scale would not be possible without the help of these committed individuals and members of our Farm Animal Adoption Network.