Animal rescue sanctuary destroyed by Storm Eowyn

Powerful winds from the storm destroyed the stables and storage buildings overnight on the sanctuary's grounds, leaving the site completely demolished. Despite the extensive physical damage, all animals housed at the sanctuary were evacuated and remain unharmed.

"Our priority was always the safety of our animals," said TJ Rowen, one of the volunteers who run the sanctuary. "Thanks to our dedicated volunteer team's quick action, every single animal was moved to secure temporary shelter during the storm's peak. We’re devastated at the damage; we need to re-build to give our animals a safe and loving home. Many of them have suffered neglect or abuse, and we only exist to give them a happy, loving home.

We are a small organisation with few resources and rely on the goodwill of our supporters and volunteers. We are incredibly lucky to have friends who can give us temporary shelter for the animals, but we need to re-build quickly.

Last night was traumatic for our goat Gimli, who we recently re-homed, after being kept tethered in a yard outside a house, and our newest pony, Rodney, who has recently had to have treatment after a life of neglect and abuse. "

The sanctuary, which relies entirely on volunteer support and charitable donations, is now assessing the full extent of the damage and developing a rebuilding plan. Initial estimates suggest repairs and rebuilding will require substantial financial resources. The volunteers are getting people together on Saturday 25 January to clear the destroyed buildings, and ensure the animals welfare.

Local community members and animal welfare organisations have already begun offering support, with fundraising efforts expected to commence immediately.

Email: [email protected]

Web: https://www.full-of-joy-animal-sanctuary.co.uk

Full of Joy Sanctuary operates in Todmorden, West Yorkshire, and is run entirely by local volunteers. The sanctuary re-homes animals that have previously been harmed or neglected, offering them a home for life.

The animals rescued include 4 ponies, a goat, pigs, geese, sheep, and a cockerel. Fortunately, the geese and pigs are safe and were able to remain in their field shelters adjacent to the destroyed buildings.

The sanctuary has started a crowd funding page to fund building works to replace the damaged buildings.