Runaway Rockland Sheep Finds Sanctuary

WATKINS GLEN, NY — A sheep that generated headlines and social media chatter for managing to evade police officers for more than a week in Rockland County is finally safe at the Watkins Glen, New York shelter of Farm Sanctuary. The sheep was captured on Saturday by humane officers from the Hudson Valley Humane Society.

On Saturday, a quick-witted homeowner saw the sheep in the backyard, closed the gate and called the Hudson Valley Humane Society, who called the Stony Point Police Department for assistance.

With the sheep caught, HVHS reached out to Farm Sanctuary for help in securing their new pal a forever home.

According to Ramapo police, the sheep was first spotted on Feb. 14 in Chestnut Ridge before moving on to Wesley Hills. She was found with the number 95 spray-painted on her back, a marking consistent with those commonly used by slaughterhouses to identify animals.

SEE: Runaway Rockland Sheep Evades Police For 2nd Time

Police did not know where the sheep came from.

"We’re thrilled to provide a happy ending and some much-needed rest for this weary, yet determined sheep,” said Farm Sanctuary President and Co-Founder Gene Baur. “Science shows that sheep—just like us, and just like the companion animals we love and protect—feel fear and pain and, when given a chance, are capable of experiencing deep joy and happiness."

Founded in 1986, Farm Sanctuary works to change how society views and treats farm animals through rescue, education and advocacy. The organization provides lifelong care for rescued animals at sanctuary locations in New York and California.

Baur continued, "According to USDA, 2.26 million sheep were slaughtered for meat in the United States in 2018. If you’d like to help animals like this sheep and prevent animal cruelty, please consider joining the approximately 30 million Americans who are decreasing or eliminating their consumption of meat and other animal products."