Ferne Animal Sanctuary

Ferne Animal Sanctuary was founded in Dorset, England by Nina Douglas-Hamilton, Duchess of Hamilton at the beginning of the Second World War.

The intention behind the sanctuary was to provide a temporary refuge for animals belonging to service men and women who had left their homes to fight, or which were likely to be abandoned or euthanased.

The Duchess had a statement broadcast on the BBC: "Homes in the country urgently required for those dogs and cats which must otherwise be left behind to starve to death or be shot.

The sanctuary has over 300 rehomed animals on site, including horses, ponies, cattle, mules, donkey, sheep, goats, chickens, guinea pigs, ferrets, chinchillas, degu, tortoises, rabbits and an aviary.

[7] In 1975, the sanctuary moved some 50 miles west, to its present premises of 75 acres near Wambrook, Somerset, overlooking the River Yarty valley.