West Place Animal Sanctuary

Overview

West Place Animal Sanctuary is a U.S. nonprofit organization located in Rhode Island, dedicated to providing lifelong care to farm animals rescued from abuse, neglect, and cruelty cases. Established since 2007, the sanctuary also serves as a licensed wildlife rehabilitation center, assisting injured and orphaned animals with the goal of releasing them back into their natural habitats.

History

The sanctuary's genesis stems from a personal loss experienced by its founder, Wendy Taylor, a former practicing lawyer. After a fire at her home resulted in the loss of nine beloved pets, Taylor dedicated her life to creating a refuge for animals in need. Over the years, the sanctuary has grown significantly, relying on a network of over 75 volunteers for its daily operations.

Programs

Farm Animal Welfare

West Place specializes in caring for more than 100 farm animals representing dozens of species. The sanctuary provides comprehensive daily care, including feeding, cleaning, medical services, socialization, and behavioral support for its residents.

Humane Education

The sanctuary offers experiential learning opportunities through its Educational Internship Programs. These internships are part of a broader humane education initiative aimed at fostering a more compassionate community. Thanks to donor-funded scholarships, these programs remain free and accessible to all students.

Animal Nutrition and Wellness

This program focuses on nursing farm animals back to health through tailored nutrition, medication, supplements, exercise, and enrichment. The sanctuary continuously monitors the changing needs of its animals to ensure they receive appropriate care.

Food Cultivation

To reduce expenses and minimize the sanctuary's environmental impact, West Place cultivates its own food using four greenhouses, a berry garden, and an orchard. This on-site food production provides seasonal fruits and vegetables tailored to the specific dietary needs of the animals.

Wildlife Rehabilitation

In addition to farm animal care, West Place operates as a licensed wildlife rehabilitation center. It cares for injured and orphaned animals during "baby wildlife season" (May-September) and works towards releasing healthy wildlife back into their natural habitats. The sanctuary uses foster care to raise orphans, teaching them essential survival skills before their release.

Community Role

West Place also serves as the lost dog shelter for Tiverton and Little Compton, making it a unique and multifaceted organization in the region. Through its work, the sanctuary aims to cultivate a more compassionate community by providing educational experiences and promoting stewardship for animals and the environment.