TOWN OF SAUGERTIES, N.Y. -- The Catskill Animal Sanctuary took in about 130 birds Wednesday, including chickens, turkeys, geese and one duck.
It’s a part of its mission to give animals a better life.
"[We] know what it means to have spacious shelter and lots of bedding,” said Kathy Stevens, the sanctuary’s director.
The birds were among more than 1,000 animals rescued by the ASPCA from a farm in Massachusetts.
"Lots of dead and dying animals. Animals reproducing; there was no separation by gender,” said Stevens. “Over 20 people have been charged with animal cruelty, including the owner of the property.”
The animals were then quarantined at another location receiving medical care. Now that some of the farm animals are at the Catskill Animal Sanctuary, they'll be checked over again.
"A lot of it's going to be trying to put weight on them, making sure that they are parasite free, making sure they don't have viruses that can be passed on to our other birds," said Stevens.
The sanctuary’s representatives said they are accepting donations to help with the cost of taking care of the animals.
"We’re talking about food, water, medical care bedding,” said Director of Animal Care Kelly Mullins. "And we also have to have staff come in and clean them every single day."
But they said it’s worth every dollar.
"I don’t care if you are a cat or a cow or a child or a chicken, we all move towards joy and away from suffering,” said Stevens.