We give farmed animals a safe home for life.
When our founders, David and Dwynwen, started Goodheart Animal Sanctuaries, they wanted to make sure that rescued farm animals could live out their lives in peace, treated with the respect and compassion they deserve. David and Dwynwen set about securing the perfect site for a brand-new sanctuary which would become a haven for rescued animals. They decided on The Nickless, in Worcestershire; with its gentle hills, wooded areas and large pastures, it was the ideal spot. In 2017 Goodheart Farm Animal Sanctuary opened its doors and now we care for over 300 rescued animals at this tranquil site.
We are passionate about providing better lives for rescued animals. This means that we will never overcrowd our sanctuary, and we will always ensure each resident is cared for as a valued individual. All of our animals are known by name and we take the time to get to know each of their unique personalities. Many of our animals come from difficult backgrounds, so our Animal Care Team make sure that care is tailored to each individual depending on their needs.
When you come to Goodheart Farm Animal Sanctuary, you will see that it simply doesn’t look like a cramped farm – instead, our animals have ample space to enjoy their new lives. Every resident has a warm, sheltered place to spend the night, and the freedom to enjoy days frolicking around large pastures, rooting in native woodland, or exploring the sanctuary yard and garden. We know that feeding animals and keeping them healthy is not enough. Just like ourselves and our pets, farmed animals need fun and intrigue in their lives too. We provide a range of enrichment for our residents to make sure they stay curious and stimulated throughout their lives
Where do the animals come from?
Our residents come to us a different stages in life and from very different backgrounds. From piglets who are not even a day old, to ponies in their thirties, each has their own unique story. Some have been rescued from truly dire circumstances, but still others have enjoyed happy lives with loving owners who simply found themselves unable to care for their companion.
Some examples of where animals may come from are:
- Trading Standards who have confiscated animals being treated cruelly.
- Farmers who have ‘special’ individuals they can’t bear to send to slaughter.
- NGO’s and rescue facilities that don’t have the capacity to care for farm animals.
- Private individuals handing in pets (e.g. when owners are unable to cope with the growth of ‘micro’ pigs).
- Individual farm animals who have been found straying or injured.
- The lucky few who have been obtained by people to save them from slaughter.
- ‘Retired’ laying hens and other animals who are no longer commercially profitable.
- Farmers who have decided to change career or retire.
We know we can't save them all.
We’re delighted to be able to help so many animals in need, but we are now reaching capacity and we know that there are millions more animals trapped in the farming industry. That’s why we’re expanding our education, outreach, and campaigning work. By providing the public with well-researched, trustworthy information, we hope to raise awareness of the plight of farmed animals and help people to move away from driving demand for animal products.
By providing reliable information in an accessible and engaging way, we aim to help everyone think more clearly about their choices and the way we treat some animals.
Our campaigning will expose areas of cruelty and neglect in animal farming, sometimes highlighting breaches of the law and the need for better animal welfare legislation.
