This just in from our friends at the Catskill Animal Sanctuary. A happy new year for a bunch of animals who otherwise would left in the cold:From the time they began building their Saugerties farm in early 2003, Catskill Animal Sanctuary, a haven for twelve species of needy animals, has always had a waiting list—a list of farm animals in need of homes, generally due to their owners’ financial circumstances or other personal tragedy.

This week, the Sanctuary’s eight-page waiting list gets a little shorter as it welcomes dozens of desperate animals home for the holidays.. Fourteen horses, ten turkeys, and six rabbits top the list of new arrivals, with even more on their way in the coming weeks. Most of the animals on CAS’s waiting list are the result of foreclosures or other economic crisis..

The increase in the Sanctuary’s population during the costliest time of year is the result of many successful adoptions within the last year and the success of this year’s “Bale Out,” Catskill Animal Sanctuary’s fundraising drive designed to give it the financial room to provide a haven for four-legged victims of the economic crisis. While the goal of the drive was to raise $100,000, CAS raised nearly $250,000 in its two-week campaign for funds to pay for bales of hay and other daily expenses.

Despite their fundraising success, Stevens cautions that Catskill Animal Sanctuary does have limited capacity: “It’s extremely costly to take good care of 200 animals, especially when so many of them weigh 1,000 pounds or more,” she says. “We’re hoping people’s generosity will continue.” CAS also has limited physical space. “We’ve got a little more room, but not a lot,” she explains, and actively invites those with horse and farm animal experience and the resources to provide for a new four-legged family member to consider adoption.”

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Catskill Animal Sanctuary, located in Saugerties, NY, has taken in over 1,400 needy animals since it opened in 2001. In addition to emergency rescue, its mission is to raise public awareness of agribusiness and its impact on animals, humans, and the planet we share. Director Kathy Stevens’ first book, Where the Blind Horse Sings: Love and Healing at an Animal Sanctuary, is in its third hardcover printing; her second book is scheduled for release Fall of 2009. CAS is open for tours and events April through October. Further information is available at 845 336-8447 or www..CASanctuary.org.