OUR ANIMALS

Bleakholt is often the last hope for hundreds of animals; but for the service Bleakholt provides they would go without food and warm shelter. As well as many strays and other admissions, the Sanctuary receives about 50 cruelty cases each year. These animals can be found in a suffering or neglected condition. It is rewarding to see the change for the better that can be made in their lives and to have their trust in humans restored. We look after a wide range of domestic animals - do come and have a look round the Sanctuary.

DOGS

Bleakholt presently houses its dogs in a number of blocks consisting of several separate kennels. Kennels are heated to keep them warm in winter. The dogs are exercised on a daily basis by our staff and league of dog walkers. It really makes their day. We also have a number of large runs that are utilized and the dogs take it in turns to play in these. We have now completed our dog hospital where minor treatment can be given and any convalescence needed can take place. Then there is "Old Woofs" where our less young residents hang out. If you would be interested in providing a home for one of our dogs then check out our Dog Gallery for details on adoption and see if one of our current members in our Bleakholt Dogs Gallery can tempt you. Alternatively, come and say "hello" to them in person.

CATS

Our cats live in a series of large pens in two blocks. Each pen accommodates approximately a dozen cats. A heated shelter is provided where they can take refuge and sleep. Each cat has a separate bed available. Most recently built is our kitten section where our mothers can look after their youngsters. Our older, more delicate felines have taken control of the newly furbished "special needs" room upstairs in the main building. A wander past the pens will result in you being plagued with pleading "miaows". Check out our Cat Gallery for details on adoption for the latest "top cats".

RABBITS

The Sanctuary has a number of rabbits living in banks of hutches within a barn over on our stable section. There are runs outdoors for them to share to stretch their legs and bob their tails. Bunnies are available for homing subject to a satisfactory home visit and a minimum donation of £25 which must be made to the Sanctuary. Why don't you pop up and see who is in. Of course rabbits like company so if you do want a bunny why not take a friend as well to snuggle up with?

GUINEA PIGS, CHINCHILLAS AND FERRETS

Along with our rabbits we have a growing number of guinea pigs, chinchillas and ferrets as part of our small mammal section. These animals are becoming increasingly popular as pets and hence have now joined us at the Sanctuary. The guinea pigs and chinchillas share the rabbit barn. The playful ferrets are mainly housed at one end of our goat barn at "Ferret Towers" which is a purpose built area with lots for them to climb on and through.

HORSES AND DONKEYS

Our equines can usually be found playing in the many fields surrounding the Sanctuary. Generous stabling is provided for them which is looking spick and span with fresh paint. Most of our horses have been rescued which means they can be a bit of a handful. As with other of our animals it takes time for them to know and trust humans again. A new feature for our open days has been a horse parade when you can see the results of all the hard work that goes on, and our round pen can be used for training and exercise. The horses and donkeys remain at Bleakholt for the rest of their lives. Our donkeys in particular are suckers for a mint and can easily be bribed to be your friend forever - well at least until they realize you've run out of mints!

COWS, SHEEP AND GOATS

Again our other farm animals inhabit Bleakholt's fields for the remainder of their lives. We have a busy stable and farm section covering hens, cows, sheep and goats. After they were dumped here some ferrets have also taken up residence. They can all be sponsored together with many other animals here at the Sanctuary - just ask!