DESOTO COUNTY, Fla. — As plant-based diets have become more mainstream, one Tampa Bay area couple has taken their vegan lifestyle to the next level opening a sanctuary for farm animals that need rescued.
The Shelter Farm Sanctuary rescues farm animals that would otherwise be slaughtered.
"I always wanted to help animals and save animals," said Jenni Presley, vice president of Shelter Farm Sanctuary.
In April, Mike and Jenni Presley moved from their home in St. Petersburg to an acreage 45 miles East of Sarasota.
"We just made that choice. We thought it wasn’t enough to foster a dog. There were a lot of industries that were treating animals as waste products and we really wanted to do something to make a difference about that," said Presley.
They have rescued pigs, cows, goats, chickens, and ducks. Including a pig named Henry that is blind and deaf.
"He was on the brink of death when they found him at the flea market," said Presley.
Now Henry is in hog heaven. His favorite thing to do is to give belly rubs to the other pigs.
"This place is not just about providing shelter, a home, and love. It's about showing people how much they love each other and people and living," said Presley.
For more information on the farm visit their Facebook page www.facebook.com/shelterfarmsanctuary
