Today marks one year since the cruelty at the former Twist of Fate “sanctuary” committed by Ashley DiFelice was first discovered. We continue to mourn the loss of all of the animals that didn't make it, and we continue to keep the survivors and the humans caring for them in our thoughts, hearts, and prayers.
Below are some quotes from some of the first people on the scene who saw the animals' remains, the horrific condition of the property, and who worked to take care of and rehome the survivors and clean up the TOF property. The quotes were taken via Instagram, Patreon, or emails regarding this case, the horrors that they saw, the betrayal that they felt, the bullying and accusations that they received, and thoughts on this case reaching the one year mark.
From Leanne at Goats of Anarchy (@goatsofanarchy):
On July 24, 2022, Goats of Anarchy and several other sanctuaries discovered starving and neglected animals on the property of this so-called sanctuary. It was over 90 degrees and none of the sheep had been shorn. Many of the animals were without food and water, and some had no shelter to protect them from the sun or storms. There were skulls, bones, rib cages, and mounds of wool and fur scattered throughout the pastures with the living animals. These were the remains of the animals some of us loved from afar as we watched them being "rescued" on social media. Some were the remains of animals we referred to TOF, believing they would be cared for. Many of the horses were emaciated, and some had hooves that were curled like they were wearing elf shoes. There were piles of deceased animals in the woods, and the entire property was covered with garbage and debris. The animals came running, calling to us desperately as they were hoping we would give them a little bit of food or water. They were so neglected, and had been betrayed and forgotten.
Another quote from Leanne:
Today is very difficult for many of us. Looking back on this day, one year ago, I’m filled with anxiety, anger, sadness and grief. I’ll never forget the phone call I received from @hispees . He was screaming and begging me to come there. He could barely find the words to tell me what they found and @boochaces was just wailing and crying in the background. I started shaking and crying and just got in my truck and started driving. No one should have to go through what we all went through that day. @therileyfarmrescue , @bluemontequinesanctuary , @ryanwithane and @thismustanglife were also there as we tried to help the animals who looked at us so desperately. I can’t even begin to explain the feeling of shock, horror and betrayal. The days, weeks and months that followed did not get easier. We worked to help the animals, placing many of them in new homes within the first few days while we worked with police and the Department of Agriculture to submit evidence for the case. What broke my heart even more, were the sanctuary founders casting judgment and accusations from afar. Some of them publicly accused us of helping TOF cover up this heinous act, when behind the scenes we were working so hard to make sure the Detectives had every possible piece of evidence. I’ll never forget how those people treated us, and particularly @boochaces . This case brought out the best in some, and the worst in others. I’ll forever be grateful to Caitlin, Len, Jamie, Lesley, Marla and Ryanne for all they did. So many other sanctuaries and rescues came to help and I’m so thankful for them all. The case is still ongoing, and we are still hoping for justice to be served. We will never forget the animals who suffered, or lost their lives at TOF. Hank, Bruce, Linus and Papa are living their best lives here at GOA, and we love them so very much. Thank you all for supporting us, we could not have made it through the last year without you! We are still working toward meeting our fundraising goal for straw to keep the animals warm this winter. The comfort of the animals just as important as food and water. Please help if you can. PayPal: info@goatsofanarchy.org
From Marla at Riley Farm Rescue (@therileyfarmrescue):
Seeing something like this changes you. You lie awake at night, haunted by the images burned into your mind and overwhelmed with grief.
We will be forever heartbroken for the animals who died from neglect at Twist of Fate. We will never forget Billy’s sweet face, and we will spend every day of our lives wishing we never let him go.
The only thing within our control now is the future of the six animals we rescued from that nightmare. Karen, Len, Leanne, Clovis, Rumi, and Boots are loved dearly. We will always protect them, they will always have plenty of food and water, and we will never stop striving to give them the best life possible.
We are proud to have been a part of the collaborative rescue efforts that brought the nearly 100 surviving animals to safety. This rescue would not have been possible without immense teamwork and cooperation. The bond we formed with fellow sanctuaries and rescuers through this experience is unbreakable.
Please consider a donation to our hay fundraiser for the continued care of our goats, cows, sheep, and alpacas. Thank you so much. PayPal - therileyfarmrescue@gmail.com, Venmo - @therileyfarmrescue, www.therileyfarmrescue.org/donate Cash App - $therileyfarmrescue
From Len of Rancho Relaxo (@hispees):
Today marks one year since we discovered the atrocities being committed by Twist of Fate. Today marks one year since the worst day of my life. Today marks one year since I carried @boochaces out of the spot I placed her when she collapsed. Today marks one year since we began to pick up those pieces and try to make a better life for the survivors. You expect to endure tragedy and hardship when you take up a life in animal rescue, but you never expect it to be someone close to you, much less another rescue, that causes that hardship.
An additional quote from Len:
This year has been the hardest year of my life. The kicker? we had to sell our offsite property and will be moving the animals to this property this week. I cry every day, without fail, when I cross the property line onto what was ToF. I am thankful that no one else will suffer and pass away on this property as long as we are here. I am thankful for Rita, Aspen and Spruce for paving the way to make this place home for all of our residents. I am thankful for everyone who has supported us this year, and always, but I am also begging all of you to join Patreon. We can’t move forward without you. Justice for Tommy, Moose, Rigel, Mintaka, Betelgeuse and everyone else!
From Lauren at Fawn's Fortress (@fawnsfortress), remembering Brienne, the sheep who was rescued only to pass away shortly after since her body was unable to recover from the months, years of neglect:
Remembering Brienne. A year ago she was suffering immensely in the hands of Ashley Difelice, a former “sanctuary” founder. I saw the worst in humanity and the best of community when things unraveled. Some people asked genuine questions, some people have always had malicious intent and showed colors I never saw before.
Brienne was neglected. Her hooves were causing her pain. She had feces matted in her overgrown wool which was pulling on her skin. Urine soaked skin beating in the summer sun. She made it a few weeks in our care but unfortunately the damage from prior neglect was out of mine and Vets hands. I haven’t been the same since she left us.
She finally got to live a life she always deserved for a brief time and I hold onto to that because anything else is too painful to bear.
Today , please take a moment of silence for the victims of this tragedy. Speak up when you see something. Trust your gut. Love you forever Brienne.
Today, 7/24, at 5pm EST Cailtin of @boochaces and Rancho Relaxo will hopefully be going live on Instagram to talk about the TOF case with some of the first responders. Please watch and show them some love and support for all that they have done this past year and everything that they've gone through! Caitlin's posts have been full of love and gratitude today.
Please head over to the Facebook and Instagram accounts of the sanctuaries that took in the survivors - many are posting photos, videos, and thoughts about the case and the one year mark as well as the happy outcomes of most of the survivors. Give them a follow and some likes and comments. Many of them also have fundraisers going on and could use donations for the continued care of ALL of their animals. No amount is too small, and every little bit helps! Along with keeping the animals and humans in our thoughts, hearts, and prayers, they also need donations to continue to function and provide care for the animals.
@boochaces, @hispees, @goatsofanarchy, @fawnsfortress, @jpfarmanimalsanctuary, @therileyfarmrescue, @thetrollhousesanctuary, @bluemontequinesanctuary, @ezsrescueranch, @blackbird_animal_refuge, @sowagoatsanctuary, @redfeatherfarmnc, @road2refuge_sanctuary_ct, @doe.eyes.animal.rescue, @kinderwayfarmsanctuaryvt, @sven_the_standardbred, @catskill_animal_sanctuary, @sleepypigfarm, @gratitude_gate, and @draftgratitude. Check the 2nd petition update for more!
The image above is from Goats of Anarchy of just some of the animal remains that were found on the property one year ago today.
Please continue to share the petition across all platforms. Thank you, and thank you for being here.