Is Goodheart a Vegan Animal Sanctuary? Exploring Our Mission

Goodheart was established with the principle notion that all animals, whether wild, farmed or pet, are sentient beings. This means they can feel pain as well as pleasure, alongside a whole range of emotions, just like humans.

We identify as a vegan animal sanctuary for the following reasons:

We believe that one of the most impactful ways to relieve animal suffering is to address the source of the problem and reduce the demand for animal-based products. By viewing animals as thinking, and feeling beings and adopting a vegan lifestyle where possible, our health, planet, and animal friends can all benefit.

Our founders, David & DJ, adopted a vegan lifestyle many years ago, something they are extremely passionate about. Their concern for animal welfare and urge to drive positive change is what inspired them to establish Goodheart Animal Sanctuaries and work towards a better future for all animals.

We have a dedicated Education & Outreach Programme which advocates for kindness to all animals and encourages people to reduce or remove animal products from their lives where possible. We always focus on the positive by promoting the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle, for personal health, the animals, and the planet.

All food and drink served to visitors as part of events (whether they take place on-site at our sanctuary or at external venues) is 100% vegan in line with our ethos of kindness to animals.

Very importantly, priority is always given to the emotional and physical wellbeing of the animals in our care. They are never exploited for amusement, labour, or monetary gain.

The animals at Goodheart are never made to interact with the public against their will. We even have special areas of our site for animals who do not like public interaction. Those animals who do enjoy interaction are always given enough space to retreat from humans if they wish.

We have a strict no-breeding policy at our sanctuary, which applies to all species in our care.

We are home to a number of semi-feral rescued cats, which as a species are obligate carnivores which means they need meat in their diet.

We respect that everyone has their own reasons for diet and lifestyle choices and that a vegan lifestyle may not be possible for everyone.

Get to know Goodheart...

Find out more about our sanctuary

Learn more about our 92-acre site and our habitat development projects such as our Pig Barn and Home for Rescued Hens…

Meet our animals

Our sanctuary is home to over 300 rescued farmed animals, including cows, pigs, horses, sheep and chickens. Come and meet some of the colourful characters…