Celebrating the First Global Sanctuary Day for Farm Animals

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Animal activists are celebrating the first global Sanctuary Day on April 17, 2026, marking 40 years since the founding of the world's first farm animal sanctuary in New York and California. The milestone commemorates the establishment of Farm Sanctuary in 1986, which began with the rescue of a sheep named Hilda and has since grown into a worldwide movement with hundreds of sanctuaries dedicated to protecting farm animals. Over 100 animal sanctuaries worldwide have pledged to participate in Sanctuary Day, a shared moment of reflection, connection, and solidarity.

Why it matters

The Sanctuary Day celebration highlights the growing global movement to protect and advocate for farm animals, providing a platform to amplify the stories of rescued animals and the values that unite the sanctuary community. As public awareness and concern for animal welfare continues to rise, this milestone event underscores the important role that sanctuaries play in creating a more just and sustainable food system.

The details

Sanctuary Day activities will include visiting sanctuaries and sharing selfies with farm animals using #SanctuaryDay, donating to sanctuaries, sharing rescue stories, trying plant-based eating, and signing statements of support for sanctuary work. Farm Sanctuary's four decades of work have included saving thousands of farm animals from cruelty and neglect, providing humane education programs worldwide, and advocating for policy changes.

• Farm Sanctuary was established in 1986.
• The first global Sanctuary Day will be celebrated on April 17, 2026.

What’s next

Over 100 animal sanctuaries worldwide have pledged to participate in Sanctuary Day, with plans to continue the annual celebration in the years to come.