Our Mission
Rescue those that have been abused, exploited or discarded
Rehabilitate through patience, love, and respect
Educate individuals on leading a cruelty-free life through daily choices
How It All Began
From a Place of Pain to a Sanctuary of Love
When we first stepped onto the property in 2018, we had no idea what we were walking into—a former backyard slaughter operation, still filled with haunting reminders. But in the middle of it all, we found Arthur, a tiny piglet locked in a pen, alone and forgotten.
Saving Arthur changed everything. That day, Arthur’s Acres was born.
What was once a place of suffering is now a sanctuary built on compassion, where animals are safe, seen, and deeply loved.
OUR FAMILY
Arthur’s Acres is guided by a small group of dedicated individuals who help steward the sanctuary’s mission. Our founder and board of directors provide leadership, oversight, and support to ensure the sanctuary continues to grow and thrive.
Todd Friedman
Founder
Todd didn’t make the connection right away. A vegetarian for four years, he knew there was no difference between the dogs by his side and the animals on our plates. But it wasn’t until volunteering at an animal sanctuary in 2013 that he fully understood the importance of becoming vegan.
In 2014, Todd began working in animal care, learning that what matters most is the animals—their wellbeing and happiness. He gained experience working with staff, volunteers, the public, and other sanctuaries, while discovering the joy and heartbreak of helping animals in need.
With the support of friends and family, Todd founded Arthur’s Acres Animal Sanctuary in the summer of 2018.
Rebecca Bose
Board President
A lifelong animal advocate, Rebecca has served as Curator of the Wolf Conservation Center in South Salem, NY for over 24 years. She holds a master’s degree in zoology, is a veterinary technician, and a certified Magnawave PEMF practitioner.
A hands-on volunteer, Rebecca is equally at home cleaning barns, photographing the sanctuary, coordinating in-kind donations, and providing weekly PEMF therapy to several residents. Having a Kunekune pig of her own, she holds a special place in her heart for pigs and is honored to help make a difference in their lives.
Wendy Murray
Board of Directors
Wendy has been a special education teacher at Ramsey High School for 28 years, dedicated to supporting students with learning differences. For over a decade, she also worked weekends and summers on an organic vegetable and garlic farm, blending her love for nature, animals, and sustainability.
A longtime vegetarian, Wendy went vegan the day she toured Arthur’s Acres — an experience that made a lasting impact. Weeks later, she became a regular volunteer and has been part of the sanctuary family ever since. She shares her home with three rescue cats and brings compassion, education, and service to her role on the board.
Nikki Stella
Board of Directors
Nikki Stella, became inspired by Todd and all of the animals of Arthur’s Acres when she witnessed the incredible transformation of Penny Lane, from a starving pig – both physically and emotionally, to the healthy, happy and sassy star she is today.
Nikki, an experienced business executive, is excited to bring her business know-how to Arthur's Acres animal sanctuary's board.
Beyond her corporate achievements, Nikki's dedication to educating others about compassionate choices shines bright. Her role on the board promises to combine her business acumen with her passion for animal welfare, furthering the sanctuary's mission to educate and inspire for a more compassionate world.
Jill Alibrandi
Board of Directors
Jill is a weekly volunteer and one of our Board members. She loves assisting with anything at the Sanctuary from cleaning the barns to helping with tours.
She has been an animal and environmental activist for many years and has her MS in Environmental Education.
Jill’s passion for all non-humans has inspired her passion for travel. She also volunteers with International Conservation organizations in India and Kenya that focus on saving wild animals and wild spaces.
Paul Spampanato
Board of Directors
Paul holds a Ph.D from St. John's University, focusing on animal studies in Literature. Inspired by his passion for animals and his vegan lifestyle, he hopes to spread the vegan message through his literary background.
Born and raised in New York, Paul became an animal activist in 2017 when he began volunteering at animal sanctuaries. Volunteering opened his world to so many amazing people that both inspired him and gave him hope that there is a brighter future for farm animals.
Driven by his love for all animals, Paul helps keep our data in tip top shape!
Katherine Keefe
Board of Directors
Katherine became a vegetarian when she was 14 after seeing and truly feeling for the first time the suffering of a creature raised and slaughtered for food. Throughout her life, she has always tried to help animals as an advocate and most often as a hands on caregiver.
When she began volunteering at a farm sanctuary, she took the natural step to veganism as the only way to not support cruelty in any manner. She continued that journey as an animal rights activist, as a caregiver, in hands-on rescue work, and as Shelter Director at two farm animal sanctuaries.
"I will use whatever strength I possess to help Arthur’s Acres offer sanctuary to animals in need and end the exploitation of animals everywhere."