Animal Sanctuary Faces Financial Crisis, Puts Lives of Rescued Animals at Risk
An urgent plea for financial assistance has been issued by a Chepstow animal sanctuary, Dean Farm Trust, as the organisation grapples with soaring costs that jeopardise the well-being of its 222 rescue animals. Established by Mary Frankland in 2013, the sanctuary provides a safe haven for animals such as donkeys, chickens, pigs, cows, goats, sheep and ducks, who have been neglected, abused, unwanted, or abandoned.
The charity spent over £7,000 on vet bills alone last year, with expectations of even higher expenses this winter. The financial strain has prompted the sanctuary to launch a Winter Appeal in a bid to secure funding for essentials like bedding, food, and veterinary care. With each animal having unique medical needs due to their backgrounds, Dean Farm Trust’s ability to provide specialised care is threatened by the financial crisis.
One poignant example is Billy, a blind pig rescued from severe neglect. Billy endured months of standing in his own excrement, resulting in irreversible foot damage. The sanctuary’s concern for vulnerable animals like Billy is heightened by the challenge of re-homing animals with complex medical requirements. The sanctuary fears that the closure due to financial constraints would disrupt the deep and meaningful bonds among the animals.
The winter months present additional financial burdens for the sanctuary, as the demand for hay, straw, bedding, electricity, lighting, and emergency vet care surges. Ponies require thick winter rugs, and friesian cows consume substantial amounts of hay, costing the sanctuary thousands of pounds each season. Despite facing a similar crisis last winter, the sanctuary managed to secure its future temporarily through increased donations.
Dean Farm Trust, a charity that relies solely on public support and donations, emphasises the crucial role of its donors in sustaining the animals’ well-being. Mary Frankland, the sanctuary’s founder, underscores the impact of even small contributions, stating that just £1 a month could significantly benefit the sanctuary’s animals.
Reflecting on the sanctuary’s vital mission, Frankland urges animal lovers to rally behind the cause, highlighting the vulnerability of the animals in the face of financial uncertainty. The sanctuary’s plea for support seeks to avert a potential closure that would upend the lives of its rescue animals and disrupt the deep connections they have formed in their safe environment.
As the sanctuary grapples with its most challenging financial setback to date, the community’s response and generosity will determine the fate of Dean Farm Trust and the hundreds of animals under its care. In the spirit of compassion and empathy, the call for assistance resonates with those who value the well-being and protection of all creatures, reaffirming the sanctuary’s commitment to providing a lifeline for animals in need.