From my earliest memories, the Historic Wagner Farm has been a significant part of my life. Every weekend, driven by my deep affection for animals, especially cows, I would visit. I reveled in the joy of being able to share my love, respect, and awe for these magnificent creatures. However, as I grew older, I noticed a troubling pattern. Every several months, the faces would change; the familiar cows and their calves were absent. A tangible sadness pervaded the farm. I painfully realized that Wagner Farm was not the sanctuary I believed it to be.

Wagner Farm in Glenview, Illinois, labels itself as a 'working farm,' where multiple times a year, animals are taken from their families and sent for slaughter, abuse and torture. The daily visitors who flock to the farm with their families are unwittingly contributing to a cycle of cruelty. This misconception breaks my heart, for the farm has the potential to transform into something so much greater: a true sanctuary where animals can lead dignified and naturally long lives.

To do this, we need to raise our voices. Let's ask the Glenview Park District to convert Wagner Farm into a sanctuary. By doing so, it will honour our treasured childhood memories and respect the lives of the animals we have come to love. This change will contribute to the growing global movement, as approximately "3,000 animal sanctuaries and rescue centers in the U.S." all saying no to animal cruelty (American Sanctuary Association).

It's time for change in Glenview. It's time to transform Wagner Farm into an institution that respects and values animals, teaching future generations compassion and kindness.

“When it comes to pain, love, joy, loneliness, and fear, a rat is a pig is a dog is a boy.”- Ingrid Newkirk

Please join me in calling for Wagner Farm to become a sanctuary, for these animals deserve to live full, happy lives. Sign and share this petition.