“I’ve always liked animals and rode horses from being quite young. I have a dog at home, Danny; he was a farm dog but came to live with us about six years ago. I started coming to the Sanctuary to bottle feed lambs when I was ten. Soon after that I came down to help on a regular basis. I very much enjoy working with the animals and learning how to care for them all. I am the Sanctuary’s full time paid employee and I work Monday to Friday. I feed the animals and help Janet do the sheep’s feet, worming and clipping bottoms! I drive the tractor and I do some mechanical and general repairs. I administer medications – sometimes that is a two pairs of hands job! My favourite animals here are Beatrice the dog who is my right hand dog and helps me with everything and Fergus the sheep. I was here when Janet rescued him and he was terribly ill and unhappy but we got him well and he loves being here with his group of girlfriends. It was lovely to see him make such a good recovery.”
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.jpg) “When I saw the dreadful photographs that had been taken in markets I wept. Sick little orphan baby lambs, some of them only a few days old, freezing cold and hungry, some of who died before they could receive veterinary care. Thin and emaciated old sheep with crippled feet, at the end of their useful life being sold to go forward for Halal slaughter. Frightened, bewildered, gentle cattle being beaten over their heads and backs with thick sticks. Old pigs, so stressed by their surroundings they chewed the bars of their pens until their mouths bled.
I had no idea that this kind of thing went on in this country, we’re known as a nation of animal lovers. I wanted to help and give my support in any way possible to stand up for farm animals, to help give them a voice and to raise public awareness about farm animal welfare.
They are sentient beings, they experience pain and fear, all species are caring, protective mothers and they all deserve so much better.
It’s such a joy to see the animals who have found their way to the Sanctuary. They know they are safe. They look contented, confident and peaceful, the young ones so full of life. Not enough people seem to care about them, and there are not enough places for them to go. We do need your help and your support to keep the Sanctuary going, please give them your thoughts.”
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