Goodheart Farm Animal Sanctuary, based in Worcestershire, has been named Outstanding Farmed Animal Sanctuary 2022 by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS).
Goodheart was elected from over 200 GFAS-certified sanctuaries worldwide for this prestigious award, which recognises organisations displaying excellence in humane and responsible animal care as well as outstanding professionalism and ethics. GFAS are the only globally recognised organisation for certifying that a facility meets the GFAS Standards of Excellence and recognises those as a true “sanctuary.”
“This year’s award recipients truly embody and put into practice the GFAS philosophy of vision, dedication, and excellence in animal care,” noted Valerie Taylor, Executive Director of GFAS. “Part of the GFAS mission is to recognize sanctuaries and rescue centers and raise awareness of their work, and the 2022 Award recipients serve as exemplary models of many important characteristics attributed to true sanctuaries, demonstrating professionalism, collaborative spirit, and leadership, all for the animals”.
Based in Worcestershire, Goodheart Farm Animal Sanctuary is home to over 300 farm animals, including pigs, cows, sheep, chickens and turkeys. Many of the animals were saved from slaughter or rescued from situations of cruelty and neglect, while others were simply much-loved companion animals, whose owners could no longer look after them.
As well as providing a home for rescued animals, Goodheart Farm Animal Sanctuary welcomes visitors at their annual open days as well as through educational trips and sanctuary tours. You can support their work by adopting or sponsoring one of their residents, making a donation, or becoming a fundraiser.
The Outstanding Farmed Animal Sanctuary Award comes just 2 years after Goodheart was officially awarded GFAS Verified status, the only farm animal sanctuary in Europe with this certification.
David Walker, Co-founder of Goodheart Animal Sanctuaries, said of the award:
“How amazing to win this award and receive recognition from GFAS for the great work the team at Goodheart is doing to provide a wonderful home for our residents.
We aim to provide the best possible lives for our residents, who are ambassadors for their species. Many of them are more than happy to introduce themselves to the human visitors and reveal their wonderful personalities, show how they enjoy life when given the opportunity, and why they are much more than just commodities on a shelf.
Hopefully by demonstrating these characteristics our residents will help make humans think about where their food comes from, the massive impact it has on the so called ‘farmed’ animals’ lives, the human impact on the environment as a result and on human health. This award, for which we are very grateful, will help us to provide for our residents and allows us to get more people to hear their message.”
With the help of their valued supporters, Goodheart Animal Sanctuaries is working towards a better future for animals through compassion, education, and advocacy. They care for over 300 rescued animals at their flagship site, Goodheart Farm Animal Sanctuary based in Worcestershire. As part of their dedicated Education Programme, they facilitate meaningful connections between visitors and their residents, helping to reshape perceptions of “so-called” farm animals and raise awareness of their suffering. Alongside this, they back national campaigns to prevent animal cruelty and inspire people of all generations to make compassionate lifestyle changes.
Follow and support Goodheart Farm Animal Sanctuary!
Website: www.goodheartanimalsanctuaries.com
Facebook & Instagram: @goodheartanimalsanctuaries
Twitter: @GHASanctuaries
