This past summer, authorities busted a large-scale cockfighting ring in Pennsylvania, resulting in the seizure of about 300 chickens and the filing of 176 felony counts of animal fighting and 126 counts of cruelty to animals.

For rescuers, it can be challenging to find homes for roosters (male chickens), as several factors must be considered, including personalities, flock size, and social needs. When it comes to roosters exploited and harmed in cockfighting, the physical and emotional scars of their past can compound this difficulty. Sadly, many birds rescued from fighting are euthanized, and initially, the survivors of this heartbreaking case were going to face that fate.

But thankfully, their rescuers were determined to find a way to help. Good Sprout Rescue and Sanctuary, with help from Sweet Peace Farm Sanctuary, leapt into action for these vulnerable birds.

Audrey of Good Sprout provided temporary care to the birds at the site of their rescue for six months, driving there daily. Meanwhile, Audrey and team found homes for nearly all of the chickens, a remarkable feat! 

For nine birds, the suitable homes found were located far away, in the Midwest and on the West Coast. Because Good Sprout, a member of our Farm Animal Adoption Network (FAAN), has no paid staff and a small team of dedicated volunteers, and has spent thousands of dollars tending to the birds, these kind folks asked us for help with bringing the chickens to their newfound havens.

In the cold early-morning hours of December 15, Sarah from Good Sprout made the trip to meet us at Farm Sanctuary in Watkins Glen, New York. There, the birds were transferred from one team of gentle hands to another as we prepared to embark on what would be, for us, a record-setting drive.

The same day, Farm Sanctuary’s Teagan Flora, Ben Rumsey, Elijah Swertfeger, and Troy Mabbett set out on an over 30-hour trip to bring the first of nine chickens to his home at Haven Hill Animal Sanctuary in North Dakota—marking the single longest straight-through drive in our rescue history!

With everyone’s safety always at heart, everyone took turns driving, resting, and checking on our animal friends, and the team stopped when needed to care for them. December’s road conditions, especially in states that experience harsh winters, required them to keep a close eye on the weather and forecast as well. They remained ready for disruptions and able to adjust their route if necessary.

Thanks to that care and preparation, everyone arrived safely at Haven Hill, where Jordana happily welcomed the newest member of their flock, now named Freedom.

Ready to settle in at Haven Hill

But when the long, worrying journey is over, it’s always worth it to see farm animals rescued from cruelty now “happy in a loving new home,” says Ben Rumsey, the director of sanctuary rescue and transport at Farm Sanctuary.

In fact, Freedom has already made himself at home at Haven Hill. Jordana tells us, “Freedom the roo is doing very well! Ricki the hen is still very nervous around him, and he is picking up on that. He is being very gentlemanly and giving her space to get comfortable!” 

From Haven Hill, Ben and team continued on to Montana, where Jey of Rooster Haus Rescue and his partner, Savannah, kindly met up with us to pick up the remaining eight chickens before heading back to Washington.

One rooster will live at Rooster Haus permanently, and their team will transfer the other birds to three sanctuaries: Wild Spirit Farm Rescue and Lily’s Safe Haven in Washington and Zen Hen Farm Sanctuary in Oregon.

Now, these birds have not only been saved from unthinkable pain and fear, but have also found what all farm animals deserve: peace, freedom, and a lifetime of care. It’s all thanks to the collective efforts of kind people.

Thanks to our supporters, the FAAN community, and the sanctuary movement, we can quite literally go the extra mile together. We can go the distance for farm animals who need us.

Our deepest thanks go to the following sanctuaries for opening their doors and hearts to these chickens, who most likely would not have stood a chance without their compassion:

• Good Sprout Rescue and Sanctuary
• Sweet Peace Farm Sanctuary
• Rooster Haus Rescue
• Haven Hill Animal Sanctuary
• Wild Spirit Farm Rescue
• Lily’s Safe Haven
• Zen Hen Farm Sanctuary

Rescue alone can’t solve the problems faced by exploited and suffering farm animals. Education and advocacy play vital roles in creating the systemic change that’s needed. But look what can happen when the sanctuary movement comes together. 

We are strongest when we work hand in hand, always remembering that the story of one farm animal’s life transformed can help inspire compassion for billions of others like them.