My dtrs and I visited the Watkins Glen Farm Animal Sanctuary thinking we would just be seeing something similar to a giant petting zoo. What we saw and learned there was like getting hit in the head with a brick. There are many of these places and what they are doing is incredible. We had never really thought about the treatment animals received (yep-we were way too sheltered) on the farms that are in the documentary, but after visiting the Sanctuary, we knew far too much. Not only did we all empty our pockets of all the money we had on us and couldn't spare, we all left crying our eyes out. Any animal that is lucky enough to find it's way to one of these sanctuaries, spends the rest of it's life being treated like a King or Queen. They are loved, spoiled and taken care of. For those of you that can't watch that kind of documentary, please look at this website - it's a much gentler way of letting you know what's really going on. And if you ever get a chance to visit a sanctuary, please do. You can even vacation there in cabins that are rented out.
The Farm | Farm Sanctuary
They also rescue misplaced animals from natural disasters, vehicular accidents involving truckloads of animals, etc.