THE founder of a sanctuary near Evesham fears having to put down many farm animals unless nearly £1million can be raised to fund the purchase of land.
Jan Taylor, 81, has run The Farm Animal Sanctuary from Manor Orchard Farm, Middle Littleton, for more than 20 years having initially started in Bromsgrove 30 years ago.
More than 600 animals and birds, rescued from abuse, neglect, slaughter and abandonment live there and are cared for by staff and volunteers until the end of their natural lives.
The sanctuary survived an eviction notice from the previous owner approximately three to four years ago but the current owner, who bought the land to save the sanctuary, now plans to sell up.
Ms Taylor has a lease until 2024 but no certainty over its renewal unless she finds £944,000 to buy the land and has launched a Just Giving page to rescue the sanctuary.
She explained that moving on would not be option having spent years and significant sums of money rebuilding barns, setting out paddocks and building field shelters.
It would also be illegal to move some of the animals who are approaching the end of their lives.
“We won’t be able to (renew the lease), the owner has made that very clear,” said Ms Taylor.
“We have been offered the chance to buy it, he has said he would prefer us to buy it but at nearly £1million it is not going to be easy to do.
“It has been on the market since Christmas, no one has been to see the property yet but time is of the essence.
“There is no way we would be able to move, it would be impossible. Welfare laws prevent some of the animals being moved.
“All of the people who work here know the animals as well, we keep them until the end of their lives and need those same people caring for them. It is very important.”
“When we came here both barns were falling down, they needed a lot of repair and there was very little fencing.
“We have built up paddocks, field shelters, things like that and we would not find that built and set up elsewhere for us to take care of the animals we have.”
To donate to the cause, visit the sanctuary’s JustGiving page.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here