Charlotte Farms Animal Sanctuary, a non-profit organization dedicated to caring for abused, neglected, and abandoned farm animals, is facing an urgent challenge that threatens its existence. Despite its mission to promote animal welfare and educate the community about responsible animal care, ongoing legal battles with Berkeley Township have put the sanctuary’s future in jeopardy.
The township recently approved only 5 acres of the sanctuary’s property for non-profit use, leaving the farm responsible for the property taxes on the remaining land. The farm must come up with $10,000 by the end of December to avoid tax sale, which would result in the farm being sold and its animals left without a home.
David Battat, owner of Charlotte Farms, says he has been in a zoning battle with Berkeley Township since purchasing the farm two years ago. The land previously operated as a farm for decades, and it was only months after purchase that Battat learned the property was in a residential zone. The current records show that the site has a farm facility in a residential zone.
Years of court battles and thousands spent on legal and engineering fees have drained resources that could have gone toward the animal’s care. Now, the sanctuary must rely on community support to raise the necessary funds to secure the property and continue its mission.
Berkeley Township has already faced criticism from residents and neighboring communities for ongoing urbanization and development in Public Conservation Preservation zones. If the Charlotte Farms property is sold for taxes, it could pave the way for further housing developments, endangering wetlands and natural resources in the area.
Meanwhile, the volunteers at Charlotte Farms work to create a nature trail around the property and clean up Mill Creek, which runs through the sanctuary. The animals play a vital role in maintaining the land, eating weeds, overgrown plants, and controlling mosquitos.
Charlotte Farms is a community space where people can connect with each other, enjoy time outdoors, and build relationships with the animals. The sanctuary’s donkeys, emus, cows, and other residents urgently need your help to keep their home.
For more information about Charlotte Farms and how you can support its mission, visit CharlotteFarms.org or their Facebook page.
