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Farm Sanctuary Receives Congressional Tribute

WASHINGTON - March 24, 2004 - Farm Sanctuary was recently honored in Washington, DC when the United States flag was flown over the nation's Capitol as a tribute to the organization's dedication to protecting farm animals from abuse. The flag, which will hang at Farm Sanctuary's headquarters near Watkins Glen, was delivered with a certificate that read:

"This is to certify that the accompanying flag was flown over the United States Capitol at the request of the Honorable Gary L. Ackerman, Member of Congress. This flag was flown for Farm Sanctuary and your fight to end the suffering of downed animals."

For nearly 20 years Farm Sanctuary has been working to eliminate the cruelty endured by downer livestock when they are dragged, pushed and prodded to slaughter. The campaign to protect downed animals began in 1986 when Gene and Lorri Bauston first rescued Hilda, a downed sheep, from a livestock market deadpile. Since then, Farm Sanctuary has been working to prevent downed animal cruelty through legislation, education, prosecution of animal abusers, and direct rescues. These efforts have resulted in cruelty convictions and state laws prohibiting the marketing of downed animals for human food.

In the wake of the discovery that a downed cow was afflicted with mad cow disease in the United States, the USDA announced a prohibition on the use of downed cattle for human consumption. Congressman Ackerman had the flag flown in Farm Sanctuary's honor to acknowledge the organization's leading role in exposing and combatting the inhumane and irresponsible slaughter of downed animals. Gene Baur (formerly Bauston), President of Farm Sanctuary, stated, "We thank Representative Ackerman for this recognition and honor, and we are grateful for his commitment to ending animal suffering."

About Farm Sanctuary
Farm Sanctuary is the nation's leading farm animal protection organization. Since incorporating in 1986, Farm Sanctuary has worked to expose and stop cruel practices of the "food animal" industry through research and investigations, legal and institutional reforms, public awareness projects, youth education, and direct rescue and refuge efforts. Farm Sanctuary shelters in Watkins Glen, N.Y., and Orland, Calif., provide lifelong care for hundreds of rescued animals, who have become ambassadors for farm animals everywhere by educating visitors about the realities of factory farming. Additional information can be found at www.farmsanctuary.org or by calling 607-583-2225.