How You Can Help Save Farmed Animals and Give Them Better Lives
Millions of farmed animals endure unimaginable suffering every day in factory farms, which are industrial agricultural systems designed to maximize meat and dairy production at the expense of animal welfare. In fact, most animal products sold at mainstream grocery stores come from factory farms, since over 90% of all farmed animals are raised on these.
But change is possible. You don’t have to be a farmer or activist to save animals from this fate and make a meaningful impact. Everyday people have more power than they might think to rescue farm animals in need, and some of the most effective actions are surprisingly simple.
Understanding the Reality of Factory Farming
Factory farming confines animals such as pigs, cows, and chickens in extremely crowded, unsanitary, and stressful conditions. Many are unable to move freely, access fresh air, or exhibit natural behaviors. Hens are often crammed into battery cages, pigs are confined in gestation crates, and veal calves are isolated in small enclosures that prevent them from even turning around.
In short, animals in factory farms are treated as commodities (hence the term “livestock”) rather than sentient beings with needs. Their short lives are filled with pain, and they are typically denied veterinary care and humane treatment. By understanding this reality, people can become more conscious of the consequences of their everyday choices.
How You Can Help — Right Now
Fortunately, there are many ways of saving animals that have been bred and kept for slaughter. Here are some practical actions anyone can take to end cruelty and improve farm animal welfare.
Learn and Share the Truth
Education and awareness are powerful tools. Share verified information about the realities of factory farming with friends, family, and your online community.
Go Vegan
Adopting a vegan lifestyle is one of the most direct and impactful ways to save farmed animals. Although many well-meaning consumers look for welfare certification labels on meat and dairy products, many of these labels are misleading or completely meaningless.
By choosing not to consume meat, dairy, eggs, or any other animal products, individuals reduce the demand for them, preventing countless animals from being bred into a life of confinement, suffering, and slaughter. Each person who adopts a vegan lifestyle can spare the lives of dozens of animals every year by simply opting out of industries that rely on animal exploitation.
Advocate for Better Laws
Lobbying for policy change is a powerful way to help. Support legislative efforts that aim to protect animals from cruel confinement practices and expand enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act to farmed animals. Join nonprofit campaigns that highlight the importance of compassion toward farmed animals.
Adopt, Foster, or Sponsor a Farm Animal
Some people choose to adopt farmed animals into their own care, but this requires significant resources, space, and commitment. It’s not a good fit for everyone. However, sponsoring an animal at a sanctuary is a meaningful and accessible alternative. Sponsorship programs often include updates and stories about the animal you’re helping, giving you a lasting connection to the cause.
Farm Animal Sanctuaries: The Heart of Healing
Among the most rewarding and effective ways to support farmed animals is to engage with a farm animal sanctuary or animal rescue farm. The Riley Farm Rescue in rural Connecticut is an excellent example. Farm animal rescue nonprofits provide safe havens where rescued animals are allowed to live out their lives free from exploitation and cruelty.
These sanctuaries serve as both recovery centers for abused animals and educational spaces for the public. They show the world that farmed animals are individuals with personalities, preferences, and the ability to feel joy, fear, and love.
Easy Ways to Save Farmed Animals by Supporting a Sanctuary
One of the simplest and most fulfilling ways to help farmed animals is to support a sanctuary such as The Riley Farm Rescue, which provides lifelong care to animals rescued from neglect and abuse.
Here are some ways you can do your part:
Volunteer your time. Whether you're helping with feeding, cleaning, or educational outreach, volunteering offers hands-on ways to support animal care and connect with like-minded people.
Shop for a cause. Purchasing gifts and apparel from a sanctuary’s nonprofit shop helps raise funds for animal care while spreading the message of compassion. Every purchase goes toward food, shelter, and medical care for rescued animals.
Donate. Financial contributions, no matter how small, go a long way in helping sanctuaries. Your donations allow these organizations to provide urgent veterinary care, safe shelter, and enrichment for animals in need. Monthly giving, one-time donations, or even planned giving options all make a powerful difference.
Helping farmed animals escape the cruelty of factory farms doesn’t require grand gestures. From small dietary shifts to volunteering at a local sanctuary, every action counts. When you support organizations such as The Riley Farm Rescue, you're not only giving animals a second chance at life — you’re building a kinder, more humane world for all.
Save Farmed Animals With The Riley Farm Rescue
People have been led to believe that farmed animals don’t have needs, emotions, or individual personalities in the same way pets do. At The Riley Farm Rescue in Canterbury, Connecticut, we challenge the status quo. We have rescued hundreds of animals — cows, pigs, goats, sheep, chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, guinea pigs, peacocks, reptiles, emus, mini horses, and more — from various situations, including factory farms and slaughterhouses.
In addition to rescue, our mission now includes advocating for a completely vegan lifestyle. Contact us today to learn more, plan a tour of our farm, and see the happy and full lives our rescues are now living.
Anyone can also become a powerful voice for the voiceless by going vegan, educating others about factory farming, and supporting our work. If you own a business, please consider sponsoring us!