A DESPERATE plea for help has been launched by much-loved Middle Littleton animal sanctuary which is at risk of running out of funds.
Devoted volunteers at the Farm Animal Sanctuary on School Lane have issued the SOS after its costs rose by 50 per cent in the past year while income has halved.
The Evesham lifeline has been at the heart of the community for 30 years and helped save the lives of hundreds of previously neglected animals.
It provides a safe haven for neglected and abused farm animals where they can live out the rest of their lives in comfort while receiving the special care and attention they need.
It was founded by former journalist Jan Taylor, after witnessing animal cruelty at livestock markets around the UK.
Today the farm has more than 600 happy animal residents, including sheep, cattle, pigs, ponies and horses, cats, dogs, ducks, geese, hens and cockerels, turkeys and alpacas.
But it’s future is at risk with the lifeline desperate to keep its promise to its 600 rescued farm animals of the best animal care, and a home for life.
“Over the past 30 years, everything we have done is to deliver on these promises. We believe all of our 600 animals are living the best possible life,” a statement on the website said.
“But funds to keep going are dangerously low, and there is a real risk of this charity closing.
“We urgently need to find and additional £30,000 per month to save this charity and 600 rescued farm animals”
“In this very difficult time we ask you to give whatever you can afford. Every pound makes a difference.”
The Observer reported in December on the sanctuary’s bid to raise £600,000 to buy their Manor Orchard Farm home which won the backing of long-standing supporter Dame Joanna Lumley.
“Our animals need to stay at Manor Orchard Farm for the rest of their lives, we promised them a forever home and we will keep that promise but we need your help to make this possible – we are grateful for any donations of support, the clock is ticking, and we need to secure our future before time runs out,” Jan said.
Over the 30 years it has been running, the Farm Animal Sanctuary has made lots of improvements to the farm to make life as comfortable as possible for its animals, including creating new paddocks and grassland.
It has also played a pivotal role in campaigning for the rights of animals, investigating and reporting many cases of animal cruelty and neglect, with positive results.
Dame Joanna, who is patron of the Farm Animal Sanctuary, said: “It seems to me so terrible we have been persuaded somehow not to mind what happens to farm animals, so when Jan Taylor founded the Sanctuary it struck a chord in my heart and I have tried to support it ever since.
The sanctuary has launched an online appeal for donations.
Visit thefarmanimalsanctuary.enthuse.com/cf/crisis-appeal for more.
