About the Sanctuary

How it Started

In fall 2016, Catherine, founder of SAFE, purchased the property that would allow her to turn her dream-- of opening a farm animal sanctuary -- a reality. This is the story of how it all began.

The Story of the Three Big Pigs:
SAFE's story begins when three big pigs --Pumba, Matilda and Oreo -- escaped on their way to a slaughterhouse in Eastern Ontario. These adventurous souls roamed the countryside for over a month before finally being rescued and temporarily taken in by a sanctuary in Ontario. Upon hearing their story, and learning that they needed a forever home, Catherine knew the time had come for SAFE to start its rescuing. To Catherine, taking in these three animals felt like "jumping off a high diving board -- somebody had to push me and these three huge pigs were the push.

Calvin Joins SAFE:
In late July of that same year, Catherine was contacted by a friend who had heard of a new-born calf about to be auctioned off for meat.He intervened before it was too late, later asking Catherine if she could take in this calf which he had named Calvin. Calvin can now be seen running the field by the heart-shaped pond at SAFE, or strolling through its surrounding forests with his friends.

A Growing Family:
One by one, and over time, many animals have joined the SAFE family, some very narrowly escaping slaughter, and/or a life filled with pain. Here, they have found a place to live out their lives in peace, free from fear and suffering.
Today, SAFE continues to grow and thrive, as does the dream of a better future for farm animals everywhere.