When the ASPCA learned about a farm in Massachusetts where living conditions for the animals were inhumane, they never expected to be part of such a huge rescue.
But when they got to the location, they found hundreds of animals of all different kinds, and they knew that they wouldn't be able to handle it alone.
So the rescuers called up the Catskill Animal Sanctuary to join in, and together, the two organizations started saving as many animals as they could. Sadly, some animals didn't make it, but hundreds more were saved, and have started new lives with caring, dedicated humans.
In all, the Catskill Animal Sanctuary ended up taking in eight calves, six sheep, eight geese, five turkeys, 112 hens, and a single duck.
As you can see, that's a lot of animals, and they'd all been kept in cramped, dirty, neglectful conditions.
But life was about to get a lot brighter for these poor creatures, thanks to the kind folks at Catskill Animal Sanctuary and the ASPCA. It's a horrible thing that animals are abused in this day and age, but it's wonderful that more people are willing to step up and give them love and care, and provide them with safe homes and even cozy sweaters.
Check out the incredible rescue below!
[H/T: The Dodo]
The ASPCA was horrified to come across a "farm" in Massachusetts that was crowded full of hundreds of animals, all in deplorable conditions.
The space was so bad that some animals didn't make it, but luckily, most pulled through.
The Catskill Animal Sanctuary in upstate New York ended up taking in well over 100 animals, most of them birds.
The larger animals, calves and sheep, required a longer paperwork process, and so the 125 chickens, geese, and turkeys, as well as a single duck, were moved in first.
For most of them, this was the first time they experienced life outside of a cage.
Catskill communications associate Meredith Liguori said that the birds were feeling better already.
"It's only been a couple of days, but we can already see a difference," she says. "For most of them it's probably the first time they've been out of a cage and free to walk around. We're watching them stretch their wings as if they can't believe they're not touching another chicken."
The animals will still need time to heal and overcome their traumatic upbringing, but they're certainly in the right place.
Catskill founder Kathy Stevens says, "We're a place of love and a place of healing."
The dedicated staff is sure to shower each and every animal with love, care, and affection.
"They've experienced the worst of humanity, but we exist to show them the best," Stevens says. "It will take time to earn their trust, but thanks to the generosity of good people, we have that time."
Once they get comfortable, the animals will be able to meet visiting humans and get lots of attention.
And by visiting with these animals, people can learn to be more caring and compassionate, and maybe even make the world a little better for our animal friends.
