Current Press Releases

Animal Advocates to Gather for Old Fashion Fun at Farm Sanctuary's Country Hoe Down

ORLAND, CA - May 3, 2005 - Farm Sanctuary, the nation's leading farm animal shelter and advocacy organization, will be holding its annual Country Hoe Down May 14-15, 2005 at its Northern California shelter. Designed to raise awareness about farm animal issues and campaigns, this unique event offers an abundance of educational opportunities for animal advocates of all experience levels. Through engaging presentations by noted animal protection speakers and interactive training workshops, all guests will have the chance to learn what they can do to make a difference for animals.

For some good old- fashioned fun at the farm, Hoe Down guests will also have the opportunity to hop on a hayride, take a stroll around the barnyard, visit with the sanctuary critters, delight in delicious vegan food, and dosado under the stars at an evening barn dance. Conference participants may also stay for an additional, optional day of shelter volunteering and campaign training on May 15th.

Country Hoe Down highlights include special presentations by James LaVeck, co-founder of Tribe of Heart, a nonprofit organization dedicated to producing documentary films that empower people to teach compassion in their communities; Michael Markarian, executive vice president for external affairs at The Humane Society of the United States; Jack Norris, president and co-founder of Vegan Outreach; and Gene Baur (formerly Bauston), president and co-founder of Farm Sanctuary.

Directions: From Interstate 5, take the Orland exit (Chico Route 32). Head west on Newville Rd for approximately 9 miles. Farm Sanctuary will be on the right.

Registration for the Country Hoe Down closes on Friday, May 6, 2005.

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.