Why This Texas Beef Cattle Ranch Transformed Into A Vegan Sanctuary

Renee King-Sonnen's experience with caring for a baby calf on her husband's Texas cattle ranch led her to a life-changing realization. After going vegan in 2014 and seeing a plate of meat as chopped up dead animals, she and her husband transformed their ranch, which had been in his family for generations, into a sanctuary for rescued farm animals. Despite initial difficulties, including financial challenges and the need for passion and determination, they successfully transitioned the ranch into a safe haven for over 130 animals, including cows, chickens, horses, ducks, and more.

Her husband, Tommy, eventually went vegan as well, after coming to terms with his upbringing around animal agriculture. King-Sonnen's advice to others considering similar transformations is to ensure they have both the passion and financial means to do so. Despite the challenges, she believes that once a cattle rancher goes vegan and sees the animals they are raising for slaughter, they will never be able to participate in animal agriculture again. The inspiring story of their ranch and their dedication to animal rescue was recently depicted in the documentary "Rowdy Girl," directed by Jason Goldman and premiered at the Hot Docs Film Festival.