By: Vanessa Kranz, Animal Law Society Co-Chair '23-'24

On April 27, 2024, members of Vermont Law & Graduate School’s Animal Law Society volunteered to help VINE, a local farm animal sanctuary, build a much-needed fence.

VINE is a LGBTQ-led sanctuary with a focus on environmental justice. They have over 500 residents including goats, sheep, cows, turkeys, chickens, ducks, pigeons, roosters, llamas, and more! These residents each have their own story.

As VLGS students erected the 250+ foot fence, VINE’s animal care coordinator, Cheryl Wylie, shared some of their stories. Some had been rescued from abusive owners. Others from neglect. One cow was used at a dairy for her milk. She soon became fed up with the dairy taking her calves from her and injured a worker. She was again impregnated, and her calf was removed. She injured a second worker. This injured worker found VINE and asked them if they would take the cow. VINE agreed, but only if the calf came too. Now, mother and child live peacefully together on over a hundred acres of beautiful Vermont country.

VINE is also home to many roosters from cockfighting rings. Students inquired how the roosters live together peacefully. Cheryl explained that roosters are not inherently aggressive. If they have a means to escape, they usually will not resort to fighting. Of course, some roosters have . . . attitude. Cheryl said if a rooster is acting unusually rambunctious, she will call for Kevin, the turkey, who comes immediately to mediate.

Students had a blast learning how to build a fence, working together, and interacting with VINE’s residents. One 3L student, Ema Makas stated, “It feels good knowing we built something essential and permanent for the farm.”

Want to learn more, donate, or volunteer with VINE? Check out their website.

Amanda Reyes JD'24, Ema Makas JD'24, Jenna Kemmer JD'24, Vanessa Kranz JD'25, Krista Wirth JD'26, Cheryl Wylie, Devin Brennan JD/MAPP'25, and Daria Bednarzcyk JD'25/MELP'22