- Our story
Taking animals to our heart.
All animals are individual sentient beings, just like humans. They feel pain, have emotions and should be treated with respect. If you knew animals were suffering, you’d want to help them, wouldn’t you?
Our founders, David Walker and Dwynwen Jones, were in just such a position. They care deeply about animals and felt so strongly about doing something that they set up a brand new charity, Goodheart Animal Sanctuaries.
Supported by experienced director Alison Hood (who spent over 25 years working for Born Free Foundation wildlife charity) they’ve put their passion into action.
By thinking big, Goodheart aims to change public opinion, raising its voice above the crowd and working towards change in the perception and treatment of animals.
By supporting us in whatever way you are able, you can be part of this exciting movement. At our very first sanctuary, Goodheart Farm Animal Sanctuary in Worcestershire, we already provide a safe forever home to over 300 rescued farm animals. Many of these animals faced bleak prospects, and it is only thanks to the help of our supporters that we are able to give them the happy lives they deserve.
If you choose to support us, you’ll also be helping Wiccaweys Rescued Border Collies and Working Sheepdogs in North Lincolnshire, who rehome up to 200 dogs a year and look after others who need more specialist care.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been interested in animals. As a kid, I used to nag my parents to buy me wildlife magazines. Many years later, I was lucky enough to travel and see these exotic animals for myself. But what about farm animals? They were living creatures too. They had feelings and personalities of their own, but few people seemed to care. They were being grown like vegetables until they were fit to eat.
I’ve always supported the underdog (I’m a lifelong Huddersfield Town fan), and so farm animals became my main passion. Fortunately, DJ felt the same way, and we set about looking at ways to help these underdogs. We started by helping a local farm animal sanctuary and its 500-plus animals avoid eviction. We were then able to offer similar assistance to a border collie rescue centre, the fabulous Wiccaweys.
After helping two existing sanctuaries get back on their feet, we decided to set up a new sanctuary, and secured our first Goodheart Farm Animal Sanctuary in Milson, Worcestershire. With over 300 animals already safe at this site, we’re looking to help even more animals with our threefold mission: to offer sanctuary to more abused and neglected animals; to raise awareness of their plight; and to campaign to end their suffering.
We know the future holds lots of exciting developments and no doubt a few challenges, and we hope you’ll be right there with us.
Welcome onboard!
David and DJ
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