Our Future
Our Future
Our future is in the balance. Holbrook Animal Rescue will need to relocate in the next few years to make way for a major new housing development. Build has already commenced for the 2,700-home development to the north of Horsham, West Sussex, and the search for a new location is underway.
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One of only two ‘kennel-free’ animal rescues in the UK, Holbrook Animal Rescue was set up by Laura and her mum Sylvia and is now run alongside a group of dedicated volunteers. However, the charity does not own the land on which the rescue is built. Land in West Sussex is notoriously expensive, and in order to continue our essential rehoming work, we are calling upon the community in and around Horsham to help us to raise the funds to help build a new rescue centre.
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We are very proud of the environment we offer the dogs, horses, goats and countless other animals in our care, but without the support of the community, our future is uncertain. We need your help to continue to offer a safe, warm home for unwanted and abandoned animals for years to come.
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WE REALLY NEED YOUR HELP! IMPORTANT PLEASE READ AND ACTION!
In reference to the planning meeting on 1st July 2025, and the rejection of our planning requests I would like to respond openly to you all.
Obviously, we are deeply disappointed with Horsham District Council, we did not get a fair hearing, as so many lies and exaggerations were made by the objector’s speakers. We kept to the truth and stand by this.
Unfortunately, the planning process allows no real time opportunity to rectify the lies.
We are appealing this decision, and if our appeal gets turned down, then we will be left with the choice of selling or renting the land out, we have already been approached by interested parties including investors and members of the travelling community. As much as I want to preserve this fabulous wildlife haven that’s been in my family for 29 years, I fear we will be left with no option other than selling to the highest bidder.
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I actually feel sorry for the objecting residents with their falsehoods and propaganda – but ultimately, we will be left with no choice and who knows who will end up buying the field in the long term.
If we have to sell then the Rescues future is uncertain- it would take at least a year to get anywhere safe and prepared for all the animals that we give shelter to, by the time the appeal is heard, at least 6 months will have elapsed, leaving us with very little time left.
We have to put the welfare of our animals first, as we always have.
Thank you so much to all our supporters – it takes a brave stand to defend animal rights as passionately as you all do and you lend me the inspiration to continue. Sadly, in the end it may be that bureaucracy and flawed policies serve us a huge injustice.
Laura Santini​
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We have started the appeal process, and will also circulating a petition to overturn the unfair decision in the next few days.
Please keep and eye out and sign the petition if you would like to support us. If you also would like to share your views on the consultation outcome, please email, call, or write to Horsham District Council.
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​​​​Help us #RebuildOurRescue
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Our target is to raise 100k to help us rebuild our rescue.
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There are lots of ways you can help us reach this target! You can get involved by making a single or regular donation, organising your own fundraising event with your friends, neighbours, school, club or society, and by spreading the word to your friends and family. We accept all monetary donations, big or small, so please do help in any way you can. Thank you.