meet the north mountain animal sanctuary!

North Mountain Animal Sanctuary was the dream of co-founders Amanda Dainow and Leif Vernest. It was clear that the Annapolis Valley, and indeed, the province of Nova Scotia, an agricultural centre, was lacking a sanctuary for farm animals in need. Land was purchased on North Mountain in the Annapolis Valley in August 2008, and by January 2010, North Mountain Animal Sanctuary received status as a registered charity. 

Over the last 7 1/2 years, we have taken in dozens of  farm animals whose lives were threatened. At the time of writing we currently have close to fifty animals in care including pigs, turkeys, chickens, goats, sheep, rabbits, and guinea pigs. Among those there are battery hens from a laying facility which planned to grind them alive. We rescued a pygmy goat scheduled to be shot in two days.  We have rescued domestic rabbits who were let loose and would have died of exposure, starvation or from vehicles or predation. We rescued a rabbit who was left outside and hit by a car, whose leg was broken and had to be removed and paid for the surgery and care.  Among our pigs there is Charley who was in an area exposed to the elements and alone, living in absolute filth. His leg had been broken and was fusing back together in the incorrect position.  Fortunately, like most of the animals at North Mountain Animal Sanctuary, Charley made a full recovery and has become a very gregarious pigs!

As a farm sanctuary we recognize that each animal is an individual and spokesanimal for others who have the same physical and social needs.  We do our utmost to respect each animal's species-specific and personal, individual needs to allow them to live out a peaceful, natural, comfortable, healthy and happy life. 

In addition to direct support of the sanctuary, we recognize that one can make a significant difference for farm animals is by adopting a plant based diet.  Our dietary choices are able to directly reduce the number of animals in our factory farming systems (there are many documentaries depicting the inherent suffering within).  Animal agriculture is also a contributing factor to climate change. The health benefits are remarkable and again, are well documented in films such as 'What the Health'. 

In 2019 we will begin construction on our ninth building allowing us to more than double our capacity to assist rescued chickens.  We are more dedicated than ever. 

To learn more about North Mountain Animal Sanctuary and how you can help please visit our website at www.nmas.ca.  
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