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We’re thrilled to celebrate a victory for compassion! All charges have been dismissed against Tracy Murphy, the Founder and President of Asha's Farm Sanctuary, who faced legal action for rescuing two cows who wandered onto her sanctuary in 2022.

Asha's Farm Sanctuary owner Tracy Murphy has a big heart for animals. When two cows wandered into her sanctuary, she provided them with a safe haven. Now she's being charged for caring for the escaped cattle she named Ismael and Little Willow. Tell the district attorney to drop the charges against Tracy for having compassion for all animals, including those who usually are eaten by humans!

As founder and president of Asha's Farm Sanctuary in upstate New York, Tracy was merely doing her job by rescuing two cows who wandered onto the sanctuary, which is a refuge for abused cattle, pigs, and chickens. She cared for the cows and immediately reported them to the Society for the Prevention and Cruelty to Animals in July 2022.

Tracy, acting on the advice of her attorney at the time, refused to hand over Ismael and Little Willow without proof of ownership. After another week, the police executed a search warrant and arrested Tracy. Sadly, authorities seized Ismael and Little Willow, and returned them to the purported “owner,” probably for slaughter.

Since her arrest, Tracy has faced significant financial and emotional hardships, along with facing one count of grand larceny and up to seven years in prison. Tracy was publicly humiliated when she was forced to wear shackles in court and suffered ostracization, harassment, and threats throughout this case.

Fortunately, the Animal Activist Legal Defense Project at the Sturm College of Law is defending Tracy. With its assistance, a superior court lifted the gag order placed on Tracy and two town justices have recused themselves from this case.

This summer, Tracy will go to trial for her compassionate actions. Her next court hearing is scheduled in the Town of Wheatfield for March 5. Help us urge Niagara County District Attorney Brian Seaman to dismiss the charges against Tracy to free her from the shackles of injustice and ensure the lives of Ismael and Little Willow were not taken in vain.

Letter to Decision Maker(s) for reference:

Subject: Dismiss the Charges Against Tracy Murphy for Compassionate Intentions

As someone who cares deeply about the welfare of farmed animals and one of 250,000 In Defense of Animals supporters, I respectfully request that you dismiss the charges against Tracy Murphy. 

Tracy’s role as founder and president of Asha’s Farm Sanctuary is to rescue, rehabilitate, and provide a safe haven for farmed animals. She was literally doing her job by caring for two cows, Ismael and Little Willow, who wandered into her sanctuary. 

Sadly, Tracy’s compassion was punished with a warrant for her arrest along with public humiliation when she was forced to wear shackles in court causing undue emotional distress. Tracy also suffered ostracization, harassment, and threats throughout this case. 

Tracy saves animal lives. It’s her job to protect them. As a caregiver, she must ensure that proper documentation is presented before relinquishing responsibility of care. 

I support Tracy Murphy’s compassionate intentions to provide quality care for farmed animals. Please do everything in your power to dismiss the charges against Tracy so she can continue her noble work for animals. 

Thank you for your kind, thoughtful, and timely consideration of this important matter.

Sincerely,

Signed

This alert has been deactivated but is here for reference. Please share our blog announcing the good news!

We’re thrilled to celebrate a victory for compassion! All charges have been dismissed against Tracy Murphy, the Founder and President of Asha's Farm Sanctuary, who faced legal action for rescuing two cows who wandered onto her sanctuary in 2022.