As part of Veg Month 2022, CAA sponsored a tour of SoulSpace Animal Sanctuary on Saturday, May 21.

SoulSpace is home to over 70 animals, including rescued sheep, hens, chicks, pigs, and goats. Each of them has a special story, and that story of struggle and survival reveals an inspiring, sentient individual. SoulSpace gives each animal the individual attention and freedom necessary not only to recover but also to thrive. The Sanctuary is located in New Richmond, Wisconsin.

Around a dozen people attended the tour. There was a short introduction to Compassionate Action for Animals and presentation about the sanctuary before the tour began. Visitors then had an opportunity to visit with the residents and get to know them personally.

Thanks to Amy Molina and Cathy Johnson for their lovely photos to capture this special event.

If you participated in this event we would appreciate your feedback here.

Buffy is a well loved resident of Farmaste Animal Sanctuary in Lindstrom.  Farmaste rescues abused, neglected and unwanted farm animals and brings them to their 30-acre farm. There they are allowed to roam in the pastures, and live out their days free from cruelty.

Buffy is a 5 year old Nubian Cross Goat.  Her most adorable traits are being mischievous and feisty. She is also a caretaker and consoled Eva the sheep the day she got temporarily separated from her herd. 

Her best friends are fellow goats Kristen and Iggy. She most enjoys scratching her head on the brush, playing with herd members, and “bugging” Iggy.

Buffy came to Farmaste on April 25, 2019.  She was found near a live market in St. Paul. A traumatic environment for farmed animals. Given her fighting spirit it is not surprising that she fought for her life and escaped.

We asked Farmaste for some information about Buffy and they shared the following:

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Chicken Run Rescue is one of our local animal sanctuaries. Their goal is to “foster an evolution in critical thought about who is food and who is friend through rescue, rehabilitation, sanctuary and education.” Recently their work has been severely impacted by the Avian Influenza (AI) outbreak.

This disease has no cure and kills between 90-100% of the infected birds. The AI Death Toll so far in Minnesota is 2,895,350 —nationwide it is 37.87M birds. It has affected wild, farmed, sanctuary and backyard birds.  It has also spread in isolated instances to other animals, including humans.

The deaths are mostly due to government decree, not the virus itself. Mass killings are mandated as an attempt to stop the spread of the disease and to protect factory farms. The killings are often done in cruel and inhumane ways.

Many experts believe that the conditions of factory farms encourage the spread and mutation of such viruses.

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Ibtisam Brown (she/her) is volunteering as Food Vendor Coordinator for this year’s Twin Cities Veg Fest. She enjoyed working with the vendors last year and signed up again.

When she was new to the Twin Cities six years ago she attended the Festival and got hooked! “I was looking for ways to connect to the local vegan community and loved how inclusive and empathetic the members of CAA were,” she shared.

We asked her some questions so that we can get to know her better:

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Spring Farm Sanctuary Moving to Tennessee

We have some bittersweet news from Spring Farm Sanctuary. They are moving and merging with Odd Man Inn sanctuary in Tennessee (see the details below).

Spring Farm Sanctuary (SFS) in Long Lake, MN was founded in 2016 by Robin Johnson. SFS has been committed to ending farmed animal cruelty and promoting vegan living through their rescue, rehabilitation, and education efforts. They have provided a loving home for abused and neglected farm animals. In addition, they have encouraged the community to connect with animals and realize how sensitive, emotional, and caring they are. Over these years they have rescued and provided a home for over 25 chickens, cows, steer, turkeys, sheep and goats. 

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On Wednesday May 4 CAA celebrated a major event: Your Body in Balance.

Your Body in Balance event was a big success!

Over 50 people attended this information packed event. For many it was their first event with CAA.  100% of survey respondents said they “learned a lot”!  When asked what they liked about the event most replied “everything!”

The event focused on the health/diet connection. New York Times bestselling author Neal Barnard, MD shared the science behind how common hormone-related conditions can be improved by simple diet changes. Other experts provided inspirational stories of transforming their health through nutrition.

A big shout out to the participants: 

 J. Selby’s for their donation of yummy nachos with whole foods plant-based cheese dip and chocolate chip cookies

 Dr. Neal Barnard for his inspirational and informative talk and Q&A afterwards

Terrell Woods (AKA [Carnage The Executioner) for providing musical entertainment and sharing his health and dietary journey

Rooted Green Wellness for their cooking demo, presentation and desserts

Suzanne Sorensen for her dietician consultations

Phillip Prospers of Plant Bar Cafe for the delicious drinks

Plant Pure Communities and Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine for their informational booths and support
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This event was part of the Twin Cities Veg Month series of events in May. Sign up now to try 21 days of veg living and get 15% off at local businesses during Veg Month: exploreveg.org/challenge

Recently Rooster Redemption announced that they will be moving from Minnesota soon. CAA has been happy to partner with them on several initiatives over the years and their presence will be missed. In particular it has been wonderful to tour Rooster Redemption to help the community know about their wonderful sanctuary.

Rooster Redemption is a rooster rescue facility. Why a special sanctuary for roosters? They cite:

• ​Roosters (male chickens) are the most abandoned, unwanted, exploited, and stigmatized land animal on the planet.
• Due to their need for specialized care and accommodations, they are extremely difficult to find homes for.
• We devote our time, energy, and patience toward these birds who are the underdogs in the rescue world.
• ​We strive to amplify their voices.
• We celebrate roosters as colorful companions with misunderstood personalities.

We interviewed them to find out more about their move:

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