Our Mission
Farm animals are the most unprotected animals in New York State. Their welfare is in the hands of the Department of Agriculture and Markets - the same department that oversees frozen peas. There are no laws that even require shelter for farm animals in New York State in spite of the harsh winters. There are many New York State farm animals that die in frozen pastures over the winter.
All animals need more protection and Tompkins County is a compassionate community that generously supports protection and care for house pets, but there is no organization in Tompkins County that is dedicated to the protection of farm animals who also need food, water, safety, shelter, medical care, and nurturing. Saoirse Pastures was created to fill that gap.
Saoirse Pastures rescues unwanted, abandoned, relinquished or abused farm animals; facilitates re-homings when appropriate, and provides lifetime sanctuary in a sustainable, safe, enriched environment. We are committed to community education about the cruelties of factory farming to promote veganism. We actively support animal rights in alliance with other social justice movements. Saoirse Pastures seeks a gentle world built on respect for all living beings.
Long term sanctuary care
We are located in Ithaca, NY in Tompkins County on a 40-acre parcel. We currently have Cows, Potbelly, and farm pigs, donkeys, horses and sheep. Beyond our current sanctuary residents we also foster and quarantine animals for other rescues. As space is available we take in life long sanctuary residents.
Sustainability
Sustainability is foremost in our minds. Our 40-acre property is run entirely on solar power. We take soil health (compost, waste runoff mitigation, erosion control) into consideration, and feed organic and non-GMO feeds to our residents when available. We are currently on the waiting list for an electric tractor, stay tuned for updates.
Rescue -
Rescue. It usually starts with contact from concerned neighbors or family members. Thus begins the process of working with the owners to convince them to release the animals. Often, we get contacted when the neglect is in the later stage. At this point owners are more open to giving the animals up. Once the animals are released, we need to provide medical care and quarantine away from other animals for a few weeks, since most have had no proper medical care. Then they either stay with us as residents in our sanctuary or we place them in another sanctuary in or in a private home.
Networking -
Our growing community of animal welfare partners has enabled us to work through some very large hoarding and abuse cases. Without these relationships our impact would be limited.
Pet surrender placement -
Saoirse Pastures has accepted several pet pigs who have outgrown their homes; or whose families have fallen in hard times or become ill. There’s great need in the pet pig world for this service. We will continue to do this as space and placement allows. We encourage people to not buy potbelly pigs from a breeder and to make sure you have the appropriate setup.
The Pig Placement Network is a wonderful resource for anyone looking to rehome a pig, or better yet adopt.
https://www.pigplacementnetwork.org
