Final Goats Rescued From Abusive Oregon Dairy Arrive at California Sanctuary
Victory! The last 97 survivors rescued from Grand Barr Dairy—an Oregon goat dairy farm where PETA repeatedly documented filth and abuse—have reached safety.
The rescued goats arrived at The Humane Farming Association’s Suwanna Ranch in California, where they’ll spend the rest of their lives grazing in open pastures, forging friendships, and receiving the care the dairy operation denied them for so long. Their arrival marks a victorious conclusion for the more than 230 goats seized from the Oregon dairy following PETA’s undercover investigations.
What PETA Investigators Found at Grand Barr Dairy
Grand Barr Dairy first came to PETA’s attention in July 2025 when a concerned whistleblower contacted us with alarming reports about conditions there. The farm, which used approximately 250 goats for milk production, allegedly confined animals in filthy conditions, denied them veterinary care for pneumonia and other infections, and allowed hooves to become painfully overgrown. The whistleblower apparently saw goats dying in large numbers.
Our undercover investigations later that year revealed this—and more. Investigators documented goats suffering from emaciation, diarrhea, burst abscesses, and lameness so severe that some were forced to walk on their knees. They also witnessed owners and workers kicking and punching goats. At the time, Grand Barr Dairy supplied milk to Laura Chenel, a cheesemaker that claimed to source milk from “happy” goats.
From Seizure to Sanctuary
After PETA submitted evidence gathered during its investigations, the Oregon Department of Justice took over the case. In February, authorities seized more than 230 goats from Grand Barr Dairy.
Some of the animals were quickly sent to sanctuaries, but nearly 200 were sent by Malheur County Sheriff Travis Johnson to Mid Valley Dairy in California. Approximately 19 of the victims died there.
In April 2026, after a judge ordered that the seized goats be forfeited to Malheur County, PETA—and thousands of kind people like you—urged Sheriff Johnson to ensure that the survivors would finally be given the opportunity to live out their lives at a sanctuary. Our efforts paid off!
Weeks later, 83 goats—including some who were pregnant—were transferred to Suwanna Ranch. The arrival of the final 97 survivors this week means that approximately 240 of Grand Barr Dairy’s victims and their babies have now found permanent refuge there, while others have found sanctuary at Wildwood Farm Sanctuary & Preserve in Oregon.
Instead of being exploited for their milk, these sensitive, social goats can raise their young, roam as they please, rest in the shade, and form meaningful bonds, enjoying the comfort and security they’ve always deserved.
The Case Against Grand Barr Dairy’s Owners Continues
In February, farm owners Taunia Barr and Aaron Barr were indicted on a combined 478 felony animal-neglect charges and 14 misdemeanors. They are scheduled for plea hearings on August 26 and, aside from Taunia Barr’s dog, are prohibited from having contact with animals.
Help Goats Still Trapped in the Dairy Industry
Goats experience pain, fear, and joy. Like all mothers, they want to raise and nurture their precious babies.
While the goats rescued from Grand Barr Dairy finally have a happy ending, countless other animals continue to suffer in the dairy industry, where farmers separate mothers from their babies and treat them like milk-producing machines.
The best way to help them is to ditch dairy and choose vegan milks, cheeses, yogurts, and other foods instead.
Please help spare other goats the suffering PETA documented at Grand Barr Dairy by going vegan today. Order PETA’s free vegan starter kit to get started.
