You give £1500 to help feed hungry animals at animal rescue centre after crop failure

We have responded to the plight of a rescue centre in Kent struggling to feed its animals even before winter has arrived. Thanks to the generosity of supporters of The War Horse Memorial, we are able to provide £1500 to support the horses, donkeys and ponies who are particularly vulnerable due to a poor crop harvest, the result of a long, hot, dry summer.

Billy Thompson is an acclaimed author and Founder & Project Director of The Retreat Animal Rescue Centre, situated in High Halden, Kent. At any one time there are a thousand animals in his care, so this donation will make a big impact towards helping to buy feed and medicines.

He explained: “I can’t thank your volunteers and supporters enough for their kindness and generosity. The Retreat was born in 1989 out of my frustration at the way the human race treats animals. So I founded a rescue centre which would save tormented, abused, sick, injured and unwanted animals from certain death.

​“Some of our residents include ex-race horses and ex-riding school ponies. We have injured live export sheep, cows saved from slaughter, ex-petting farm goats and injured birds. Ferrets, turkeys, worn-out battery hens, disabled non-releasable wildlife, fish, small domestics and old or feral and FIV cats. We also have dogs who have failed behaviour tests in other dog homes.

“We offer specialised care for the animals we take in. We are a not-for-profit organisation and all the trustees, staff and most of the volunteers are vegan. All funds raised go to the welfare of the animals being cared for. We also use the funds for The Retreat's facilities. Where possible, animals are found permanent, loving homes.”

The Retreat is open to visitors. Dogs are welcome and there are two lodges where overnight stays can be booked to be close to the animals in Billy’s care. A cafe serves vegan food.

You can find the The Retreat Animal Rescue and Cafe at Brickyard Farm, Cripple Hill, High Halden, Kent TN26 3LJ.
Telephone: 07720 495238. Visit their website here.

Meal time for some of the donkies at The Retreat rescure centre in Kent where about 1,000 animals are looked after