Tiverton's West Place Animal Sanctuary Awarded $25K Grant

TIVERTON, RI — A Tiverton animal shelter was awarded $25,000 from the Rhode Island Foundation, part of $500,000 shared among organizations statewide.

Wendy Taylor, the organization's executive director, said the funding will be well spent on the needs of the animals in their care.

"Our animals require dozens of types of commercial and naturally grown food," Taylor said. "We provide a variety of nutrition, supplements and acres of rotational grazing areas. We grow much of the natural food needed for the adult wildlife and rescued birds, and several healthy natural fruits, vegetables and treats for the farm animals."

The organization shelters and provides care to livestock and wildlife in need, many of which are injured, disabled or suffering from abuse or neglect, the Rhode Island Foundation said. The funding will go towards food and medical costs.

The grant was part of approximately $500,000 awarded to organizations around the state. Other recipients included:

• Potter League for Animals, Middletown: $100,000
• Audubon Society of Rhode Island, Smithfield: $7,500
• The Rhode Island Natural History Survey, South Kingstown: $10,000
• CoyoteSmarts, Middletown: $5,000
• East Greenwich Animal Protection League: $6,000
• Animal Rescue Rhode Island, South Kingstown: $19,500
• Friends of Animals In Need, North Kingstown: $15,000
• The Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals: $34,000
• West Place Animal Sanctuary, Tiverton: $25,000
• Wildlife Rehabilitators Association of Rhode Island, North Kingstown: $28,000