Farm sanctuaries are not the same as ‘city farms’ (where children simply visit sheeps and pigs in urban areas). Proper farm sanctuaries take neglected and abused animals from the farming industry, and give them a wonderful new life of peace, where they are safe and happy for the rest of their lives. Obviously people becoming vegan helps, but in modern times when donations have slashed, many sanctuaries are running on a shoestrong, so here are wonderful ways to help them. Also see clothing brands that help animal charities. You can find an extensive list of organisations that can help with grants for tiny farm sanctuaries and other animal charities struggling financially at Charity Excellence.
Although farmed animals do get some protection from the law in certain countries (you can report concerns), it’s never enough. See the barnyard friends tag for more ways to help.
Surge Sanctuary is a wonderful place, set in 18 acres of the rural Midlands. Founded by a small group of close friends from the animal welfare organisation Surge (including the founder of London fast food outlet Unity Diner (all profits support the sanctuary). Residents include lambs saved from becoming Easter lunch to pigs rescued from abattoirs, they even have animals that used to live on building sites. Their shop sells cotton t-shirts and pretty mugs.
The Farm Animal Sanctuary was established nearly 40 years ago, when the founder saw sick and diseased animals offered for sale at a livestock market. She bought 60 of them and gave them urgent vet care, and the sanctuary has cared for hundreds of animals since. The sanctuary costs £2500 a day to run and their funds are running out, so please sponsor an animal and leave a legacy in your Will.
92 acres of land for rescued barnyard friends
Goodheart Sanctuaries is one of England’s most renowned farm sanctuaries, giving home to over 300 rescued animals in 92 acres of rolling countryside between Worcestershire and Shropshire. All the residents now have safe cosy places to sleep, and freedom to explore pastures and woodland (there are also two large pools for waterfowl). Obviously donations are welcome. The sanctuary also sells fun organic aprons, with ‘cow prints’ that feature ‘cuts’ not of meat (but of scratching post finders and favourite tickle spots!)
Buy a no-bone-china mugs featuring happy rescued residents! The sanctuary also makes a lovely plant-based alternative for the 12 days of Christmas.
the wonderful Farm Sanctuary in the USA
Farm Sanctuary is a safe haven for abused and neglected animals on both US coasts. This major organisation now campaigns for farm animal welfare. The organisation was founded by a couple (including Gene Baur, above) who found a ‘downed’ little lamb on a heap, left for dead. ‘Hilda’ was rescued and survived, and this organisation is at the forefront of helping people discover the benefits of plant-based eating. Visit the site to find out more, and how to help!
free guides for new or existing sanctuaries
Whether you want to set one up (or already run one), The Open Sanctuary Project is a fantastic website where you can find care guides by species, all given by experts to help. You’ll find over 500 articles including for other rescued creatures like parrots and donkeys!
Worcestershire has several farm sanctuaries, where abused/neglected barnyard friends receive lifelong loving homes. You can report concerns over farm animals (they still have legal rights). All farm sanctuaries are struggling financially, an easy way to help is to switch search engine to easysearch (sponsors donate to your chosen charity, for each time you search the web). Based on 10 searches a day generating £20 a year, even if a fifth of people in Worcestershire (100,000) used the service, this could raise £2 million in local charity donations. Farm sanctuaries can find grant help at Charity Excellence and free care guides at The Open Sanctuary Project.
- Baah-land offers home to over 100 animals including sheep and rabbits. Also donate to Funfords Mini Farm (which is presently raising money through GoFundMe to avoid losing their land (please get in touch if you can help).
- The Farm Animal Sanctuary was established over 30 years ago and has over 600 happy residents, funds are used to pay for vet care for many who arrive in a sorry state. One resident is Percy the Wonder Pig, who was found (just a few months old) by council workers on the M42, likely fallen off a trailer. The sanctuary has its own lottery with a first price of £25,000 (Veggie Lotto also raises money for animal sanctuaries, again with a £25K first prize).
- Goodheart Sanctuaries gives home to over 300 rescued animals in 92 acres of rolling countryside between Worcestershire/Shropshire. All residents have safe cosy places to sleep, and freedom to explore pastures and woodland (there are atwo large pools for waterfowl). This sanctuary has an online shop and sells no-bone-china mugs featuring rescued residents!
- Hillfields Animal Sanctuary offers a home for all sentient beings, a true refuge. Every animal who arrives lives out their days here, free from fear, neglect or cruelty. Today it homes over 300 animals of every species.
