Backyard Butcher Rescue: Nine Years Later

Nine years ago, we assisted in one of the largest and worst cruelty cases we’ve seen in our time as a Sanctuary.

Almost 200 animals were pulled from an illegal “backyard butcher” operation in Orange County, NY — many more did not make it out. There were sick and dying animals everywhere. The man who owned them had bought them at livestock auctions and was breeding and slaughtering them on his leased farm land and serving their remains at his restaurant. Many of the animals there who were alive were nursing or pregnant.

Mama and her babies prior to rescue

Mother Jackie with her babies after rescue

Caregiver holding Sassy

We left with 20 animals that day: nine goats, five sheep, and one mother pig nursing her five tiny baby piglets. Several of the goats and sheep were pregnant and had the opportunity to have their babies somewhere safe: Woodstock Farm Sanctuary. We had just moved to the High Falls property, so there was plenty of space for these newcomers to settle in. Those we rescued who are still with us today are goats Sassy, Tovah, Sally, Chloe, Stella, Ruby, sheep Noni, GG, Elissa, Robin, and pigs Mama, Duke, Michael, Buster, Sarah, and Erica. Born as babies to some of these mothers, resident goats Raymond, Hallie, Lucie, Harper, Moby, Atticus, Prince, Louie, and Luna and sheeps George and Dorothy Jo grew up without fear and have all received the care they deserve for the last nine years.

Mama feeding her piglets

Baby goats Moby and Jackie snuggling

Thanks to the support of the local community of volunteers and donors, we continue providing elderly care for the animals rescued that day. We’re celebrating our 20th anniversary this year and are still counting on the community so that we can care for them every day, in all seasons.

When we look back at October 2015, we remember how horrible that case was and how much suffering took place on that property, but we also remember how beautiful the lives of the animals rescued have been.