Farm Animal Sanctuary in England
Dean Farm Animal Sanctuary is a home for life to over 130 rescued animals living in 62 acres of pasture, woodland and paddocks in South Wales.
Our animals come to us from all different backgrounds and situations which include: Unwanted pets, neglect and abuse cases, animals rescued from slaughter, other charities, abandoned animals.
Many of our animals at the Sanctuary are extremely vulnerable and need extra care and support, some receive daily medications and treatments, regular vet checks, homeopathic and alternative therapies and special diets. Each animal is treated as a complete individual with their own needs, we ensure not only their physical being is cared for but also their psychological well- being. Residents only live with other residents they get on with and give each other companionship and stimulation.
Our Sanctuary is run by a small team of staff and volunteers, all are dedicated to the welfare, comfort and safety of our residents ensuring they have quality of life. We work closely with our vets, farriers, consultants and other practitioners enabling us to make the right decisions at all times for our animals.
Dean Farm Sanctuary relies entirely on donations, help from the local community and volunteers. We receive no government funding and have no fundraising or marketing departments. Our ability to rescue animals and offer a secure and safe life for them is dependent on monies we raise.
Our Sanctuary has open days and events throughout the year where public can cone and meet everyone.
If you want to help Dean Farm Trust by being a volunteer then please complete our online application form – most of the work involved will be cleaning the residents housing and poo picking paddocks and fields, however it is dependent upon the needs that day so there may be other duties involved.
GET INVOLVED: VOLUNTEER
Dean Farm Trust is a working sanctuary, it can be very busy and every day is different. With 190 animals, there is a lot of work involved in looking after them and the environment they live in on a daily basis.
At Dean Farm Trust, we value our volunteers and the unique skills and talents they bring. Our sanctuary is run by a very small team of staff, so we rely on regular volunteers who can really make a difference. The sanctuary environment can at times be challenging, with extreme weather conditions and physically demanding jobs and so we can only offer work to suitable applicants.
We have a variety of jobs to help with at the sanctuary. For regular volunteers who can commit to one day a week, you will help with day-to-day routines, helping keep our residents’ home clean and assisting with sanctuary maintenance. For volunteers who would like to volunteer on an ad-hoc basis, you may help with poo-picking, sanctuary maintenance and small projects.
We are located in Chepstow, South Wales and we are not accessible by public transport – therefore, own transportation is essential. Please note, we do not have any accomodation on-site and cannot offer residential volunteering opportunities. Applicants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a responsible guardian, at all times.
A POTTED HISTORY
In 2004 I spent many months reading about the factory farming of animals , and it’s associated industries. I was shocked and could not believe how each year billions of animals are intensively farmed, and the immense suffering that they are subjected to.
Through research it also became apparent the impact this farming has on the the environment, not to mention loss of habitats and water shortages in developing countries. I also researched the extent of abuse animals are subject to in the entertainment industry, research and sport.
In May of 2004 I knew I couldn’t sit back and carry on with my life without trying to do something.
I spent the next six months meeting with founders of charities, and organisations, and racked my mind thinking how can I help, what can I do that would make a real difference.
I wanted to set up an animal education centre and sanctuary and spend my time campaigning.
I thought how on earth can I set up a charity to show and educate people about where their bacon roll or chicken tikka masala comes from, whilst at the same time offering a sanctuary for some of these animals? I had no experience of this and no money.
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