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!
Cotton Branch Leadership Team
"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. "
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. "
"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."
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."
Cotton Branch Caregivers
Ashley Rabon
Farm Supervisor
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!"