You may have already heard about Benjy the bull's dilemma. When he failed to live up to expectations on his farm and wasn't showing any interest in the cows. Sadly, Benji was heading for the slaughterhouse but, luckily, kind souls have raised the funds needed to save him and pay his transport from Ireland to Hillside.

For those who remember the sad case of Lloyd and Leila, the cows who were killed at a London city farm after the authorities refused them permission to live out their days at Hillside, being able to save Benjy is a relief. We are expecting him to arrive with us in December, and we can't think of a better Christmas present to give to a bull than to offer him a home for life in the Sanctuary.

With over 300 cows at the sanctuary, we are often in need of vital equipment to help us properly care for them and safely handle them. Our cow sling, which has helped saved the lives of rescued cows (and horses), is now nearing the end of its serviceable use.

It was purchased nearly 20 years ago, when Hillside was founded in 1995. With three main Hillside farms now, it would save time in emergencies to have a reliable sling at hand at each of the sites instead of having to transport it from one farm to another. These cost around £300 each and if anyone would like to donate towards them, any amount would be very gratefully received.