Returning from a rescue mission, our vehicle crossed paths with a chilling sight: a Livestock Transport truck. As someone dedicated to animal rescue, the grim realities of these vehicles and the destinies awaiting their occupants are always at the forefront of my mind. However, this face-to-face encounter delivered a fresh wave of horror that resonated deeply.
Peering through the truck’s ventilation holes, I could discern eyes, yet the animal species remained unclear initially. My past experiences led me to assume chickens or pigs, common victims I’ve witnessed crammed into such transporters.
But as we drew level with the truck, the horrifying truth became apparent. Sheep. An overwhelming number of sheep. Stacked four tiers high, their bodies pressed so tightly that legs and faces protruded from the side openings. Their wool, a natural comfort turned burden, was forced through the gaps, testament to the extreme overcrowding within.
Imagine the conditions inside such a livestock transport. These sentient creatures are forced to endure journeys where they are urinating and defecating on one another, coating each other in waste. The truck interiors are stark, unforgiving metal – devoid of bedding, food, or water. Livestock transportation inflicts immense stress, thermal discomfort, dehydration, weight loss, exhaustion, and sheer fatigue. These agonizing journeys can stretch for 24 to 48 hours. These are sentient beings, experiencing profound fear for their very lives. The thought that their final hours are saturated with terror is a source of deep pain and sorrow.
My profound understanding of the systemic abuse inherent in farmed animal practices, starkly embodied by this truck, was a significant catalyst in establishing Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary. It fuels our unwavering commitment to rescue as many animals as possible from such brutal systems.
Your support is crucial to empower us to continue our mission of saving animals from this cruelty.
To discover how you can contribute to helping these incredible beings, we invite you to visit us at https://freedomfarmanimalsanctuary.org/how-you-can-help.
Lisa Miskella
Founder / Executive Director
Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary
