happy trails sanctuary | For farm animals

January 2, 2015 at 12:00a.m.

Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary, 5623 New Milford Road, Ravenna, rescues, rehabilitates and operates an adoption program for abused, abandoned and neglected farm animals. The nonprofit organization serves Ohio and works with other states that request help. The sanctuary teams with humane societies and local and state law enforcement, who have removed animals from situations of abuse, neglect and abandonment. Cruelty charges must be filed. Annette Fisher is sanctuary founder and director.

Property: The sanctuary’s current property is 9.09 acres. The sanctuary won the bid on nearby 5-acre property that was sold at sheriff’s sale. That land has 4 acres that share a common property line with the sanctuary. There also is a house that would be used for clinics, workshops, educational programs and office; and barn with cement floor.

Land acquisition campaign: The sanctuary has 60 days from the sale date of Dec. 15 to raise as much of the price of the sheriff’s sale property of $159,500 as it can. The figure includes down payment, property cost and auction fees. Donations are tax-deductible. Donations may be made via the website at www.happytrailsfarm.org; to Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary, 5623 New Milford Road, Ravenna, OH, 44266; or by phone to 330-296-5914.

Adopt: Once animals are rehabilitated, they are ready for adoption. Various fees apply. Potential adopters must fill out an application, including personal and veterinarian references. An adoption counselor will visit the residence for a safety check.

Amish Horse Retirement Program: This program accepts Amish-owned buggy and plow horses that no longer can serve their Amish families. The horse must be surrendered directly from its Amish owner. These horses receive a medical exam, update with vaccinations and worming schedule, have their hooves trimmed, and are made available for adoption.

Budget: The 2014 budget was $750,000 with about $40,000 in veterinary care. Funds come from private donations and some grants. There are 11 paid staff members. Depending on the number of animals at the sanctuary, from 30 to 80 bags of grain (at 50 pounds each) are used weekly.

Visit: The sanctuary offers seasonal educational tours from May through October on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays with tour guides. The gift shop is open May through October and for Christmas.

Volunteer: The sanctuary has various opportunities for volunteers, including clerical work, animal care and transporting. There are about 15 volunteers at the sanctuary and 50 volunteers overall.

Contact: The Happy Trails website and on Facebook.

Source: Happy Trails