WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (WENY) -- Farm animals are just like your snugly cats and dogs, but sadly they are not treated the same. The Farm Sanctuary in the Southern Tier houses 500 plus farm friends that were rescued from the slaughter industry.  

“We are having our "pignic", which is an alternative to what many people we will be doing on the July 4th holiday,” said Farm Sanctuary President and CEO Gene Baur. “We encourage people to see animals as friends, not food.” 

For example, Pigs in the United States are killed at 6 months old. On average they weigh around 240 pounds when they are slaughtered. The Watkins Glen has been a haven for many residents since 1986.

To name a few “We have ducks, geese, chickens, roosters, turkeys, pigs, cows, sheep, goats, everyone,” said Farm Sanctuary Director of Content, Chantel Houston. 

“The Pignic” was last celebrated in 2019, and now post COVID, they are back showing off these happy animals living their best lives. 

The Farm Sanctuary owns two locations, one in Watkins Glen and one in the city of Acton, California. The mission of the sanctuary goes beyond teaching kids and adults about farm life;  it includes sharing a profound purpose rooted in the creation of this safe farm haven. 

“Farm Sanctuary started by rescuing animals out of trash cans and out of piles of dead animals and once they come here, they're our friends. We get to enjoy their company, they get to enjoy their lives, and it's a win-win," added Baur.  

Across the farm, visitors can see animals napping, and wanting a good old belly rub. Visitors may be shocked, but all the animals, especially the pigs, are beyond friendly to kids and adults. 

“This is a sanctuary for them. This is freedom. This is peace. This is them having agency and choosing to live out their lives exactly how they want to do it,” concluded Houston. 

The Farm Sanctuary encourages everyone to consider what they eat on a daily basis. In the Southern Tier, with the warm weather, and outdoor freedom, the farm friends and residents are living happily ever after.