Woodstock Farm Sanctuary - True Love to Animals

Woodstock Farm Sanctuary (WFS) was established in 2004 by an extraordinary couple, Jenny Brown and Doug Abel, outside of Woodstock, New York, USA. These two lovely people noticed that there was an abundance of help for dogs and cats in need but very little aid available for animals abused by the animal livestock industry. Thus, they decided to build a sanctuary to take care of animals rescued from this cruel industry while advocating for animal rights and promoting veganism.

At the very beginning, the sanctuary was an empty and unfenced field. Now the sanctuary is home to over 370 victims of the food production industry. Animal residents are given lifelong care and treated with respect as individuals.

Currently, Rachel McCrystal is the Executive Director of WFS. Since 2017, she has taken over from the co-founders to continue the charity’s mission: “We rescue farmed animals and give them care and sanctuary, connect animals with people to advance veganism, and advocate for animal rights in alliance with other social justice movements.”

Rescuing animals exploited for food and ensuring their welfare is the sanctuary’s daily routine. In January 2021, the sanctuary staff partnered with the North Greenbush Police and Mohawk Hudson Humane Society to save animals living on a farm in Wynantskill, New York. The caregiving team raced against the clock to beat a coming snowstorm to rescue a total of 55 animals, including two baby cows, seven turkeys, six ducks, and 40 chickens from the farm. All of them needed urgent medical attention.

Supreme Master Ching Hai: “Gratefully present the Shining World Compassion Award to the Woodstock Farm Sanctuary, with a contribution of US$15,000, to humbly support its benevolent work of protecting animals and promoting compassion and veganism, with love, praises, and best wishes. May God always bless you and all involved abundantly.”