Catskill Animal Sanctuary: A Haven for Farm Animals

A Sanctuary for Compassion

The Catskill Animal Sanctuary, located in Saugerties, New York, stands as a beacon of hope for farm animals that have been victims of cruelty, neglect, and hoarding. Celebrating its 25th anniversary, this sanctuary has provided refuge to nearly 5,000 animals, making it one of the largest and most influential sanctuaries in the country. Part of its mission is to inspire a broader understanding and compassion for farm animals, usually seen as commodities rather than sentient beings.

The Role of Jacob Goings

Jacob Goings, a notable figure at the sanctuary, plays an essential role in both promoting the sanctuary's mission and engaging the public in their educational initiatives. His advocacy is pivotal in spreading awareness about the sanctuary’s goals and ongoing projects. Reflecting on the sanctuary’s achievements, Jacob Goings shares, “If we can inspire someone to just, even just stop eating one kind of meat, that's a huge win.” This statement underlines the incremental impact of small changes in lifestyle choices.

Sanctuary Life and Educational Tours

At the sanctuary, visitors are offered a chance to meet a diverse range of animals including pigs, cows, goats, and donkeys, and to learn about their stories and the sanctuary's rescue efforts. Visitors often remark on the surprising personalities of these animals, an aspect that Jacob emphasizes: "Rubbing a pig's belly or having a cow lick your face... it’s the type of experience that stays with you for the rest of your life."

Tours are available on weekends and cater to different age groups. Family-focused tours are designed to engage younger visitors with hands-on learning experiences, while adult tours offer deeper insights into the sanctuary's operations and mission. Public tours can be booked via their website at www.casanctuary.org.

Events and Community Engagement

Looking towards the future, the sanctuary is planning unique events to further community engagement and fundraising, such as the annual "Carols with the Cows," where attendees gather to sing holiday carols to the cows, witnessing firsthand the animals' response to music. Jacob invites those interested to join in the planning stages: “Now would be a great time to get involved.”

Supporting the Mission

The sanctuary is largely supported by individual donations and fundraising efforts, as it does not receive government funding. The dedication of volunteers is crucial to its daily operations. As Jacob fondly notes, “We have infinite number of volunteer opportunities,” encouraging anyone with a passion for animals to get involved.

For those wishing to support or learn more about the Catskill Animal Sanctuary's mission, visit www.casanctuary.org, or reach Jacob directly at 615-635-3043 or via email at support@casanctuary.org. Your involvement can aid in providing a brighter future for countless farm animals.

Listen to the full interview here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5JGzNonQ5BaOpmMxPj83OQ?si=Lg9Noic8RweouF7swhdH3Q