Spotlight: Ching Farm

by KATIE BROOKS

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When a cat or dog is neglected, abandoned, or abused, the culprit is charged with a misdemeanor under Utah’s Animal Cruelty Laws. But what about a goat, cow, or horse? These animals and any animals “raised for agricultural purposes” are excluded from Utah’s protective laws. Who is there to advocate for these innocent creatures? Those who are involved with the Ching Farm Rescue and Sanctuary, for starters.

Farm animals have the same emotional capacity as traditional companion animals, but most people fail to recognize this. Not Faith and Mike Ching. They founded Ching Farm in 1998 strive to change current perceptions of farm animals and ensure that these creatures are valued as more than mere objects.

Volunteers and friends of Ching Farm advocate for farm animals through rescue efforts, adoption and placement services, and education. Families may have the most fun learning through a free educational tour of the Ching Farm location in Herriman! These tours are offered at 11:00 a.m. on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month from spring through October. Attendees will get to interact with the rescued animals while learning how the animals’ lives have improved, the animals’ personalities and emotions, and ways to prevent such animals from needing to be rescued in the first place.

Another educational opportunity offered by Ching Farm is the Animal Care Classes. A module or set of classes is taught about each of the following animal types: horse, pig, cattle, goat/sheep, and chicken. Each module includes a lecture class, an online course, and a hands-on class. Students are taught about the handling, husbandry, nutrition, anatomy, and common diseases of the animal type discussed in the module. Registration includes a monetary donation specified on the information page on Ching Farm’s website.

Some families may desire to cut meat from their diets in an effort to show compassion for animals. But what if they don’t know where to start? Ching Farm can help! They host a series of demos and tastings on at least one Thursday evening each month. These “Quick Compassionate Meals for Families” events address nutrition, common meat substitutions, recipes, and compassionate eateries in the Salt Lake Valley. The entrance fee is only $25.00 per adult. Dates and topics are listed here.

Ching Farm is run entirely by volunteers and can always use a few extra hands. Anyone 16 or older is welcome to participate in activities such as distributing food and water to the animals, cleaning stalls or pig houses, and other helpful chores. Volunteers with experience in fundraising or technology are also welcome to lend their talents to the cause.

Those unable to give their time can give of resources instead. Ching Farm’s website includes a wish list of food, medicinal, and other items that the nonprofit uses regularly. Monetary donations are also appreciated; Ching Farm depends entirely upon donations from the public and spends about $5,000 per month just to feed its animals. Friends interested in volunteering, donating, or learning more are encouraged to visit Ching Farm’s website.

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