Indiana's Only Farm Sanctuary Completes Expansion

There is a special farm in southern Indiana that rescues and rehabilitates mistreated farm animals.

The state’s first and only farm sanctuary, Uplands PEAK Sanctuary in Salem, recently completed its expansion project with the help of a $5,000 grant from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The sanctuary now includes a five-acre pasture, fencing and sheltering that provides a safe haven for the animals. 

“We have pigs that have fallen off trucks and people have brought them to us. We have abuse and neglect cases where animals have been removed from people, we get them that way. We get a lot on information on Facebook. We get animals wandering in the woods who have escaped,” says co-founder Mark Pruitt.

PEAK was founded in 2012 and opened its barn doors to the first residents -- piglets Andy and Annie -- in October 2013. Located on 25 acres, the sanctuary is now home to several animals.

“We have eight pigs, five goats, three roosters and three cows," Pruitt says. "Our latest residents are Wilson and Zeke. They came from a huge ASPCA rescue operation in Massachusetts. They rescued a thousand animals, many of them were already dead when they arrived.”

Pruitt says the sanctuary gives people the unique opportunity to meet and connect with farmed animals.

“We survived solely on the donation of others so donate. We have volunteer opportunities that are also on our website that you can look at," Pruitt says. "So spread the word, tell your friends about Uplands PEAK and bring them out to visit. Really, we want people to come visit that’s our main mission.”

There is even a cabin for supporting members to enjoy the full sanctuary experience and learn about farmed animal rescue.

For more information on Uplands PEAK visit http://uplandspeaksanctuary.org