An animal sanctuary and rescue centre in Suffolk has made a desperate plea for new premises after being told it faced eviction from its home of 11 years.
French’s Care Haven and Care Farm has been taking in abandoned and neglected animals for more than a decade in Hadleigh - but has just eight weeks to find a new base.
Founded by equine physiotherapist and animal lover Jann Turner, the centre has nursed countless animals –mainly horses, donkeys and ponies –back to health. It also provides therapy to people in difficult situations.
Ms Turner has spent 11 years transforming the site and carrying out extensive repairs to create a working farm with kitchen facilities, disabled toilet and a teaching room.
She said this had been achieved through her own hard work and financial contributions, as well as the generosity of local people and businesses who had made donations and carried out building work for free.
The organisations works with Suffolk councils and charities including Community Action Suffolk, Talent Match, Lapwing, Wot’s Up, Leading Lives and Bramacare, to give young people a chance to work with the rescued animals as a form of therapy.
However, after new the owners bought the site with their own plans, Ms Turner was told to find new premises.
She has written letters to local landowners and raised her plight with all she knows - but to no avail. “I desperately need a bigger audience because nothing is happening and when the time comes, I don’t know what I’m going to do. There’s 11 years of work in that place - I think I’d just break down.”
Ms Turner is especially concerned for the rescued animals many of whom are too old or infirm to find new owners.
“Coco is a 30 year old horse with no teeth - we’re all he’s got,” she added.
“I‘m their last resort.”
Ms Turner is looking for a plot with grazing space, a barn and outbuildings, such as a piece of redundant farmland.
“It would be heartbreaking for me and all involved if it was unable to continue,” she added.
“I could really do with some help finding somewhere and I am hoping and praying I can find the right person.
Contact Turner on 07747 755556 or email Ms Turner to offer help or advice.
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