Since 2018, Kent Animal Defenders have been documenting horrendous cruelty and neglect at Little Oakhurst Brissenden Farm in Ashford, Kent. The animal rights group had visited the farm, run by Tracy Middleton, on several occasions, repeatedly exposing appalling conditions.
Warning: distressing images.
One of the animals left to suffer was Wally.
Affectionately named by members of Kent Animal Defenders, this poor soul was found stuck in deep mud- malnourished, dehydrated and freezing, with fluid on his lungs from inhaling the filthy water around him.
The group set to work freeing Wally from the mud, but sadly he was too weak and passed away shortly after. A visiting vet confirmed that it was likely poor Wally had been stuck for up to a week.
This harrowing encounter did not deter the KAD activists, but instead spurred them on to continue to fight for the remaining animals at the site. It would take another year of visits, documentation, and reports to authorities, but on 13th Feb 2020, the case was finally settled. Tracy Middleton was sentenced to 120 days in jail and banned from keeping animals for 10 years (except her 2 dogs and 1 cat), and the story was even covered by the BBC. All those involved celebrated finally getting justice for animals like Wally and began working to find as many sanctuary places as possible for those left.
Sadly, 191 cows from the farm were culled because they were unregistered, but the group were able to find safe homes for a number of other animals.
Of those rescued, seven sheep came to live out their lives here at Goodheart Farm Animal Sanctuary. At the end of February 2020, the four ewes and three rams made the journey from Kent to our sanctuary in Milson, near Kidderminster.
One ewe arrived unable to stand and another was suffering from a laceration all the way from her ankle to her chest. All of the sheep were very weak and required round-the-clock care and regular veterinary treatment to get back on their feet.
Sadly, we lost two of the girls early on. Both were extremely unwell when they arrived and despite all our efforts- including physio for the ewe unable to stand- their horrific past eventually caught up with them.
Thankfully, with lots of care and attention, the two ewes, Kitty and Midge, reached a healthy weight and their condition improved hugely. When they were fit and healthy, they were then able to join their new herd.
The three rams – Kelso, Fez, and Hyde – improved relatively quickly and were soon able to live out in their new pastures with Goodheart veteran Teddy and his friends Reg and Usain.
Watch the moment the rescued sheep joined their new flock at our sanctuary.
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Goodheart Farm Animal Sanctuary, The Nickless, Milson, Kidderminster, Worcestershire, DY14 0BE
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