AN ANIMAL sanctuary in Evesham is crowdfunding to raise £900,000 to buy its forever home.
The Farm Animal Sanctuary in Middle Littleton has been rescuing and caring for abused, neglected and abandoned animals for more than 30 years. It was the first of its kind in the UK.
Currently, it is facing a critical situation because – although it has so far had more than £803,000 pledged – it now only has six weeks to find the remaining £97,000 so it can purchase Manor Orchard Farm.
The farm is home to 600 animals and it is their futures, as well as the sanctuary’s, which are also at risk.
The charity is so close to its target and is working around the clock to make sure the fundraising campaign gets over the line.
Because of the race against time, every penny helps – whether it is £5 or £50.
In the past three decades, the Farm Animal Sanctuary has made a lot of improvements to make life even more comfortable for its animals, including creating new paddocks, purchasing stables, field shelters, a new barn, hard standing in handling areas and pig paddocks, along with grassland improvement, and much more.
The charity said: “Bringing in animals in need is only a part of what we do.
“Over the years we have investigated and reported many cases of animal cruelty and neglect, with positive results.
“Not so long ago, with the help and evidence provided by our vet, we were successful in bringing a case of gross neglect and unnecessary suffering to sheep before a court.”
After receiving a complaint about the sheep’s condition, sanctuary staff headed to the site with their vets, under the supervision of police.
The sanctuary took in 12 of the worst affected animals that evening and they were days away from a painful death.
They were weak, distressed and were alive with maggots.
The sanctuary said they all survived, they stayed calm and trusting while their wounds were dealt with, and the rotting fleeces taken off. Many weeks later they had been nursed back to be 12 bright, confident ewes.
Other animals that have been given a new lease of life after being found mistreated include pigs, cows, chickens and dogs.
The sanctuary said: “We’re a very strong team.
“We have almost 600 animals in our care at the moment, please support us however you can to enable them to live out their lives at Manor Orchard Farm with us.”
Visit justgiving.com/campaign/securingoursanctuary for more on the crowdfunding campaign and to donate to the cause.
