Written and Photographed by Patrick Guilford
The journey to the Cotton Branch Farms Sanctuary is quite a hike for someone who hasn’t traveled up to three hours. Down in the unassuming town of Leesville, SC, the Farm is perched somewhere off an unfamiliar road. Though, once there, it is anything except unassuming.
Reaching as far as the block itself, the farm holds a beautiful lake along with huge open areas for the more active animals. Each area is separated by species, size, age and connection. Some of the more aggressive animals are fenced by themselves, while the friendlier animals are bunched up with one another. There’s even a small barn that is treated like a senior home for pot-bellied pigs from ages 15-25.
Cotton Branch Farms started in 2004 by Jan Alber-Senn. “There are a lot of rescues focused on dogs, cats, and even wildlife but there were so few helping farm animals.” States Josh Carpenter, Director of Development. Since its beginnings, Cotton Branch Farms has had over 200 residents, ranging from cows and horses to pigs and turkeys. “We exist mainly to accept the abused, neglected, and senior farm animals at the sanctuary.”
Other than the types of animals they rescue, one of the main things that differentiates them from others is their dedication to find other animals home. “When we get calls and messages about an animal needing a home, we work to find a forever home for them. We have multiple foster families who help out with temporary care while we find them a home.”
However, just because their dedicated to their goals, doesn’t mean they’ll hand out animals at a moment’s notice. “Adopting an animal also requires completing a very detailed questionnaire, vet references, and a home visit prior to approval.”
Outside of rescue and rehoming, Cotton Branch Farms also educates both on the farm, with several tours, and with other organizations. “We partnered last year with the Humane League, a national organization advocating and educating on behalf of farm animals, and to offer human education in class rooms across NC and SC.”
Recently, their main concerns are with pigs, specifically pot-bellied pigs. “We have never seen numbers in need like we do today, though. The numbers have increased every year for at least the last ten years. With the ability to advertise online and the amount of breeders now telling people they have pigs who will be anywhere from 10 to 45 pounds fully grown, we have seen a massive influx of pigs being abandoned.”
Also, within the last few years, Cotton Branch has started to culminate a ‘meat-free’ philosophy, rallying other to ‘take the pledge.’ “We decided we wanted to help people learn easy and effective ways to move toward veganism for the animals, the environment, and their health.”
Cotton Branch Farms are looking for volunteers to help, as problems arise with either fencing, feeding or reconstruction daily.
