Exciting new initiatives are coming to In Defense of Animals’ Freedom Farms, as well as the animal rights community along California’s Central Coast.  

While Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area have been on the forefront of the animal rights movement in California over the past several decades, the team at In Defense of Animals’ Freedom Farms is focused on cultivating a new wave of activism in a community known for its pastoral wine country, gorgeous coastline, and an overall chill vibe. 

SLO CAL, as it’s known locally, already has the seeds for a strong plant-based community (see what we did there). With several animal sanctuaries spread throughout the county and a handful of vegan and vegetarian restaurants, the passion for animal rights and non-meat food options exists on the Central Coast – but there’s certainly room to grow. 

Realizing this potential, Freedom Farms is looking ahead at opportunities both on and off the Creston, California-based farm. On the property, this includes tours where visitors can interact with cows, peacocks, and other animals, enjoy yoga, meditation sessions, retreats, educational programs for children and adults, and vegan-friendly wine and food events.  

Outside the farm, our team is currently in the process of arranging community events that connect activists and the public to animal rights and environmental causes. Efforts being launched include regular meetups at local plant-based restaurants, monthly music shows (the first one slated for Ancient Owl in Atascadero on Thursday, April 17), regular bingo nights (the first one is slated for Brightside Pizza in Los Osos on Wednesday, May 19), joining forces with environmental groups to work on sustainability projects, and eventually, a vegan food festival. 

Outside of farmed animal sanctuaries and sustainability groups, the Central Coast is home to several animal companion organizations and rescues that do amazing work to spay, neuter, foster, and adopt dogs and cats throughout San Luis Obispo County and the surrounding area. 

There are a lot of wonderful efforts happening to support animal rights in SLO County and some fantastic people who have been in the fight for a long time. The next step is to join forces and amplify our collective message. 

We invite you to learn more about Freedom Farms and hope you’ll consider making a donation to support our work.