arfs

Animal Rescue and Farm Sanctuary was formed from an urgent need for a large animal shelter. Many
humane societies only accept dogs, cats and other kennel size animals. Over a three year period of
serving as an animal control officer our president, Susan Slater, founder of A.R.F.S. and a small
group of volunteers decided to create a program that could assist in the placement of large farm
animals found in abuse cases through the sheriffs department. Once the word was out and ideas set
into motion, our hopes

of a large animal shelter began to take shape. In the begining some farm
animals had to be fostered out while others stayed on a small property in the
country where Slater resided. After a few struggling years to promote the
shelter and pay bills, our efforts were recognized and a generous supporter
of our rescue helped to purchase an abandoned farm in Trego, Wisconsin.
Animal Rescue and Farm Sanctuary was on its way, making the move with 25
rescued farm animals, all saved through animal control efforts.
The organization continued to assist complaints of cruelty and neglect.
some very unique cases would arise from time to time along with requests to
transport injured birds of prey to the University of Minnesotas' raptor
center. The organization acquired a wild animal rehabilitation permit in its
early years to assist the DNR with injured or abandoned fawns, raccoons,
squirrels and other woodland creatures in need. A.R.F.S. does not hold this
permit any longer due to the large amount of rehabilitators in the area willing
to care for wildlife.