An animal sanctuary could close after summer heat waves left the team running it with “no money”.
The Lotus Lamb and Animal Sanctuary, near Storrington, was started in 2022 and rescues animals in need of a new home.
Founder Hayley, 53, says the sanctuary is in an “unprecedented” position due to the cost of hay skyrocketing, meaning it faces closure.
Hayley, who has been rescuing animals for around five years, said the sanctuary was forced to relocate by July after being given notice to leave.
However, due to sales for more land falling through, the animals are currently on land that is unsuitable.
As temperatures rose over the summer, the sanctuary, which relies on donations, faced financial pressure.
Hayley said: “The heatwave came and we had no grass or rain.
“We had to start feeding the animals the hay we bought for winter. It was getting worse and worse.
“I just did not know what to do.
“The vet bill has gone through the roof.
“We have had lots of sickness in the flock.
“They’re trying to eat the grass and there is no grass.
“Some sheep don’t want to eat the hay. The fields have now gotten muddier and muddier.
“We have got no money left. We’re hoping to have another field go through.
“It’s just awful. I have got all these lives that depend on me.
“I am struggling. I can’t see a way out.”
Read more:
- Minister condemns water company over 'appalling' pollution spill
- Dramatic six-minute deer rescue by East Sussex wildlife volunteers
- Fears grow for 'devastated' nature reserve as major pollution incident spreads
Now, Hayley is trying to raise enough funds to purchase equipment and infrastructure to make their existing land more habitable, such as a poly tunnel, flooring and mud control mats.
She is also hoping to buy enough hay to last through the winter.
A Go Fund Me has been set up with a target of £15,000, which can be found at https://www.gofundme.com/f/please-help-feed-us-this-winter.
At the time of writing, just over £9,000 has been raised.
“Sanctuaries all across the country are struggling,” Hayley added.
“The cost of hay has doubled. We have to buy it, we have to feed them.
“It’s such a special place. Volunteers say it's changed their lives.
“We need about £15,000. I will have a winter home for the sheep.
“There’s nothing we can do about the weather, we just hope the summer is not as bad as this summer.
“The hope is it would give us enough to get us through the winter.”
The sanctuary cares for a variety of animals, including ponies, horses, turkeys, chickens, sheep and pigs.
Share