At Cotton Branch Farm Animal Sanctuary we provide a safe haven for abandoned, abused, neglected, and elderly farm animals. While there are many shelters and rescue organizations for animal companions such as cats and dogs, and wildlife, there is a lack of sanctuary for farm animals, who make up 98% of the animals killed in the US each year. We exist to help those animals.
We also educate the public on the conditions the typical farm animal lives in on factory and organic farms, and why farm animal sanctuaries are needed so badly in the US. We encourage compassionate choices in our everyday lives when it comes to what we eat, wear, and use for entertainment. By reducing demand for animal products, we can reduce the number of animals in need of rescue, and we can help reduce the number one cause of negative impact on our environment: animal agriculture.
We also educate the public on the conditions the typical farm animal lives in on factory and organic farms, and why farm animal sanctuaries are needed so badly in the US. We encourage compassionate choices in our everyday lives when it comes to what we eat, wear, and use for entertainment. By reducing demand for animal products, we can reduce the number of animals in need of rescue, and we can help reduce the number one cause of negative impact on our environment: animal agriculture.
We welcome everyone, no matter where you are on your journey of compassionate living. Every step in the direction of making a better life for even one animal, is a step in the right direction and we acknowledge that effort.
We are a group of volunteers of all different ages, genders, orientations, religions, races, and backgrounds who all come together for one purpose: to help animals in need. If your desire is to help animals, we welcome you to Cotton Branch Farm Animal Sanctuary!
We are a group of volunteers of all different ages, genders, orientations, religions, races, and backgrounds who all come together for one purpose: to help animals in need. If your desire is to help animals, we welcome you to Cotton Branch Farm Animal Sanctuary!
Cotton Branch Leadership Team
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"I remember knowing the names of all the birds at the feeder when I was 8. And I sure remember getting in trouble for cutting additional circles out of my Dad's swiss cheese to feed a field mouse that I'd seen in the garage! So for me it started early....the desire to help animals in trouble.In 1989, when my son no longer needed me full time, 4 others and I started a wildlife rehabilitation group. This was in my home for several years; we gave up one room after another when each year more babies came in.
The Carolina Wildlife Care Center was built in 1995, and I worked as its Director for 16 years. When I found a replacement for myself, a friend and I moved out to the country to start Cotton Branch Farm - I thought it would be like retiring! Well, so far that hasn't worked out! My goal is to rescue every animal in the world who has never experienced healthy food, fresh water, a friend in kind, or the love and respect of a human being. Every one....that's my goal." |
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"I grew up near Savannah, GA surrounded by many animals--dogs, cats, chickens, goats, horses, ponies, ducks, cows, and bunnies--and I obtained a great respect and love for all of them. I have rescued cats, dogs, bunnies, and birds for years; and finally we adopted our amazing pot belly pig, Oliver, in 2011. Shortly thereafter, we rescued our second piggy, Winston! They changed our lives forever! Two years later we added Samson to our family; he had been neglected and abused. He has been such a labor of love, but we have seen progress! In 2015, our sweet blind piggy, Hampton, completed our little family.
I found out about Cotton Branch Farm Animal Sanctuary when Jan, the director of the sanctuary, offered to take in an abandoned pig languishing away in a dog kennel at a near-by animal control shelter. As the parent, at the time, of 2 pot belly pigs, a friend had alerted me of this poor abandoned piggy. I reached out to rescues and animal lovers through social media; Jan saw the cry for help and immediately offered to take this lonely soul in. Louise, the pig in animal control, changed my life and introduced me to Jan and all the wonderful animals of Cotton Branch." |
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"I always had companion animals in my childhood and much of my adult life. I never connected to farm animals. Not until I met a pig.
My husband wanted a pig for Christmas. At first, I thought the idea was strange and crazy, but then I began looking at the photos online and fell in love with them. When we brought Oliver home, things started to change. I began to notice that this animal was able to experience and express emotions like the dogs and cats I grew up with. How could that be? I always treated these animals as objects meant to satisfy only my appetite. This realization led me to Cotton Branch. As we began to study more and more about these animals, we had the urge to save them. Cotton Branch was the only organization willing to help us with a certain pig named Louise. We found her at an animal control facility and immediately went to work on finding her a home. Without Cotton Branch, she would have never been able to experience love and hope. Ever since the day we brought Louise to Cotton Branch, we work every day to make sure these animals who are abused and neglected have a home and safe place. " |
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"I've always been an animal lover. As a young girl, I remember reading aloud to my dogs, and sneaking them into my bedroom when it was cold or rainy outside. I grew up around a lot of different animals. My family once cared for a baby goat that had been attacked by a dog, and my sister and I even let her sleep with us. I was in charge of feeding our calf, and he would sometimes meet me at the bus stop when I got home from school. I always refused to eat the animals my family raised; it took me way too long to realize that all animals deserve this same respect.
My love of animals has continued throughout my life. I have 3 dogs that I love immensely, and have even helped my neighbors care for their pets. I also helped at a small animal sanctuary in my hometown. When Doug and I moved in 2017, we chose Columbia because of the big vegan community and because of it's proximity to an animal sanctuary. When we visited Cotton Branch for the first time, I knew we made the right decision. The animals are so well cared for. They each have their own story and personality. It's obvious how much hard work and love goes into caring for them. I'm so happy and proud that I get to be a part of this." |
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"I started visiting Cotton Branch when Misti and I moved to Columbia in 2017 and knew I wanted to do more. Through attending the sanctuary functions, volunteering, donating and sponsoring, I really connected with the animals and the team. I was thrilled when offered the chance to join the board.
When not at the farm, I work as an IT manager, hang out with my wife and our 3 dogs, play video games, and just generally geek out." |
Cotton Branch Caregivers
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"Working with the animals gives everyday a sense of purpose, and knowing that they depend on me is the ultimate motivator.
In college at Appalachian State, I made a documentary short film on cotton branch; I didn't know much about the sanctuary, but wanted to get more experience in video production. When I arrived at Cotton Branch, I was taken aback by the level of care that was provided for the animals and the dedication that the volunteers showed towards making the sanctuary a place where animals got to live their best lives. The video I made was a bit rough, now it seems like a bit of an eyesore, but in the end the message was clear: Cotton Branch was a unique place, dedicated to bettering the lives of animals most victimized by society. When, about 2 years later, the position of manager became available, I jumped at the chance to be a part of something so powerful and grounded. The work is difficult, but manual labor has always come naturally to me; and I never feel more at peace then when exhausted, especially when I know my efforts were for good. I strive everyday to make Cotton Branch better, and while it can never be "perfect," it's a goal I will continue to reach for! " |
Ashley Rabon
Farm Supervisor |
"I live in Leesville and I've been working at Cotton Branch since 2007. I started out as a volunteer several times a week, and then became an animal caretaker. From daily feedings, to scrubbing piggy pools and handing out daily medications and supplements, I do whatever it takes to keep these beautiful rescues happy, healthy, and feeling the love! I graduated from Gilbert High School and attended USC-Aiken. My interests include baking, crossword puzzles, music, jogging and, of course, animals. I have 2 dogs and a cat who share my home. The outdoors is my favorite place to be, and there's no better place to be outdoors than here surrounded by the wonderful residents at the sanctuary!"
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