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Edited by: TJVNews.com
Nestled in a quiet corner of Berkeley, New Jersey, Charlotte Farms Animal Sanctuary has become a refuge for animals that have been neglected, abandoned, or otherwise left without care. Founded by David Battat, the sanctuary operates not as a business, but as a labor of love — a place where animals are given a second chance at life in a safe and nurturing environment, according to a report in The Asbury Park Press. Despite its noble mission, Charlotte Farms is now facing a critical challenge that threatens its very existence: the need to secure a variance from the township’s Board of Adjustment to continue operating on its current site.
The mission of Charlotte Farms is simple yet profound: rescue animals from neglect and abandonment, and provide them with the care and love they deserve. “Our mission here is to rescue animals from bad situations, places where they’re not being taken care of, and give them what they need, and give them a place where they [are] … shown love,” Battat explained to The Asbury Park Press. The farm, named after his daughter Charlotte, has become a beacon of hope for animals that have been cast aside, often due to the neglect or inability of their previous owners to care for them.
On any given day, the farm buzzes with the sounds of its 200 inhabitants, including cows, white doves, domestic ducks, a large white turkey, and alpacas. Each animal has a story, a past marked by hardship and uncertainty. As was noted in the Asbury Park Press report, there are chickens from backyard coops that were no longer wanted, goats that grew too large and unruly for their owners, and a pig that now roams freely, spared from the fate that awaited it. For these animals, Charlotte Farms is not just a sanctuary; it’s a testament to the resilience of life and the power of compassion.
Despite the idyllic setting, Charlotte Farms’ future hangs in the balance. The farm is located in an area that has been rezoned for residential use, surrounded by condo developments and apartment complexes. “When they built the condos here … they changed all the zoning in this area to residential, so it’s not farmland anymore,” Battat lamented when speaking with The Asbury Park Press. This zoning change has placed the farm in a precarious position, as it now operates in a zone where agricultural activities are not permitted.
To continue its mission, Charlotte Farms must secure a “change of use” variance from the Berkeley Board of Adjustment. This variance would allow the farm to legally operate as an animal rescue within a residentially zoned area. However, The Asbury Park Press reported that the process is both costly and uncertain, requiring thousands of dollars that the farm currently does not have. Without this variance, the sanctuary that has become a safe haven for so many animals could be forced to close its doors.
The potential closure of Charlotte Farms has galvanized the local community, with staff, volunteers, and supporters rallying to raise the necessary funds. The farm’s plight has touched the hearts of many who see the value in its work and the importance of providing a sanctuary for animals that have nowhere else to go. For Battat and his team, the farm is more than just a place of work; it’s a labor of love, a commitment to making the world a kinder place, one animal at a time, as was indicated in The Asbury Park Press report.
The animals themselves, with their affectionate nuzzles and gentle presence, seem to sense the urgency of the situation. The APP reported that as Battat walked into the corral, he was quickly surrounded by the very creatures whose lives he has dedicated himself to saving. Their trust and affection are a testament to the care they receive at Charlotte Farms, a stark contrast to the neglect and abandonment they experienced before arriving at the sanctuary.
Charlotte Farms stands as a crucial refuge for animals that have been overlooked, neglected, or abandoned. In a world where animals are often seen as expendable, this sanctuary offers a different narrative — one where every life is valued, and every creature is deserving of care and compassion. The farm’s existence challenges the notion that animals are mere commodities, instead presenting them as sentient beings with needs, emotions, and the right to a life free from suffering.
The potential loss of Charlotte Farms would not only be a blow to the animals that call it home but also to the broader community that has come to see the farm as a symbol of hope and resilience. It would mean the end of a sanctuary that has given so much to those who have the least, and a setback for the cause of animal welfare in Berkeley and beyond.
Battat explained to The APP, “A lot of our animals come from houses where people took in these farm animals and thought that they can take care of them, especially when they’re babies.”
Unfortunately, the novelty of caring for these animals often wears off as they grow larger and more demanding. Within just a few months, owners who were once excited about their new pets find themselves overwhelmed by the workload and responsibilities. According to the information in The APP report, this is particularly true for more exotic animals, such as reindeer, which are often purchased around Christmas time with little thought given to their long-term care.
“Around Christmas time, people think, ‘Oh, I’ll get a reindeer. It’ll be Rudolph,’” Battat told The Asbury Park Press. But the reality of caring for a reindeer quickly sets in. “They’re like, ‘What do I do with this? He’s not friendly. He’s not nice…’ So they put him in a little corner, and then these things go crazy.” The story of Charlotte Farms’ herd of domestic reindeer is emblematic of the challenges that many of the sanctuary’s animals have faced before finding a home at the farm.
Running an animal sanctuary is no small feat, and the financial demands of providing care for so many animals are substantial. According to Battat, just the basic costs of feeding and caring for the animals at Charlotte Farms range between $4,000 and $5,000 per month, the report noted. These expenses cover everything from food and veterinary care to maintaining the facilities where the animals live.
For a nonprofit organization like Charlotte Farms, which relies heavily on donations and volunteer support, these ongoing costs can be a significant burden. Every dollar spent on animal care is a dollar that cannot be put towards other essential needs, such as facility improvements or community outreach programs. Yet, despite the financial strain, the Asbury Park Press reported that Battat and his team remain committed to their mission of providing a safe and loving home for animals that have been neglected or abandoned.
