At Conscious Step, animal conservation and welfare have always been close to our hearts. But beyond endangered species, another group of animals urgently needs our help: farm animals. Today, they’re finally getting the attention they deserve, and we’re proud to support them through our new partnership with Farm Sanctuary.
Farm animals are among the most abused animals on earth. Each year in the U.S., nearly 10 billion animals are killed for human consumption, with 99% raised on factory farms that prioritize agribusiness profits over animal welfare, the environment, social justice, and public health. Animal agriculture contributes at least 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions while producing massive amounts of waste that pollutes our land, air, and water. The consequences extend beyond farmworkers—who already endure long hours, hazardous conditions, and low wages—to surrounding communities that suffer health issues from these operations. The CDC warns that three out of four new or emerging infectious diseases in humans originate from animals, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites that infect millions in the U.S. each year.
Conscious Step partner Farm Sanctuary fights the disastrous effects of animal agriculture on animals, the environment, social justice, and public health through animal rescue, education, and advocacy. It all started in 1986 when Farm Sanctuary President and Co-Founder Gene Baur rescued a live sheep from a pile of dead animals while investigating Lancaster Stockyard in Pennsylvania. That discarded sheep, named Hilda, was the start of Farm Sanctuary and the beginning of their mission: to pursue bold solutions to end animal agriculture and foster just and compassionate vegan living.
Since then, Farm Sanctuary has provided a haven for thousands of rescued farm animals. Across their two U.S. sanctuaries, over 600 animals now live freely, serving as ambassadors for a more compassionate and sustainable world. Beyond rescue, Farm Sanctuary drives change through education and advocacy, inspiring plant-based diets with sanctuary tours, meet-and-greets, and educational content. They also work to end factory farming by advocating for legislation and supporting community efforts toward sustainable, ethical plant-based food systems that benefit animals, people, and the planet.
Every choice we make has the power to create a kinder, more sustainable world, including how we treat the animals who share it with us. By learning, speaking up, and supporting organizations like Farm Sanctuary, we can help build a future where compassion replaces cruelty and farm animals are valued for who they are, not what they can produce. If that sounds like something you’re interested in, grab a pair that saves farm animals and join in on the farmyard fun!
