Lyn Friel, founder of Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary
Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary, nestled in the heart of Northern Ireland, is sounding the alarm after what its founder, Lyn Friel, calls "a horrendous month."
Despite the mounting pressures, Friel remains resolute: "We still have hope."
As the only educational charity in Northern Ireland dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of equines, Crosskennan is fighting to overcome severe financial difficulties while continuing its vital work for animals and vulnerable people across the region.
Founded nearly three decades ago, Crosskennan will celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2026—a milestone that underscores its unwavering commitment to animal welfare.
Each year, the sanctuary rescues and rehomes hundreds of animals, from horses and donkeys to cats and smaller creatures, while providing a permanent home for almost 100 residents too fragile or elderly to be adopted. But its mission goes beyond rescue.
Through educational programmes on responsible animal care and pet ownership, and its innovative ‘Animals Helping People’ scheme, Crosskennan touches the lives of hundreds of individuals annually, offering volunteer opportunities and therapeutic support to those in need.
"We must keep going," Friel says with determination.
"Our animals depend on us and have nowhere else to turn."
Yet the sanctuary is teetering on the edge.
"We’ve cut costs everywhere we can—reducing feed orders, negotiating with suppliers, even scaling back repairs—and we’re still struggling to keep on top of bills," she explains. The charity currently owes £8,000 to suppliers who have patiently stood by them during this crisis.
The breakdown is stark: £1,226 to Clare Vets for emergency treatments, £2,533 to Cedar Grove Vets for ongoing care, £1,710 to Beatty’s Feeds for essential nutrition, £1,963 to McEvoy Bedding for clean stables, and £430 to John Graham Hay for winter forage.
A month of heartbreak and resilience
The past month has tested Crosskennan like never before. Friel recounts the emotional toll of taking in animals from dire situations—horses abandoned in fields with overgrown hooves, cats left behind after evictions, and donkeys rescued from neglect.
"Every case breaks your heart, but seeing them recover keeps us going," she says.
One recent rescue, a dog named Willow, arrived malnourished and terrified but is now thriving under the sanctuary’s care. Another, a pair of horses dubbed Tweedy and Harper, were rescued and today they’re playful ambassadors for Crosskennan’s sponsorship programme.
These stories of resilience are what fuel Friel’s hope, but they come at a cost. Veterinary bills have soared as the team battles to save the influx of animals, while rising prices for feed and bedding have stretched resources thin.
"We’re not just fighting for the animals we have," Friel notes. "We’re fighting to be there for the ones still out there, suffering."
What makes Crosskennan unique?
Crosskennan stands alone in Northern Ireland’s charitable landscape. As the region’s only equine-focused educational charity, it bridges the gap between animal welfare and community support.
"We’re not just a rescue centre," Friel explains. "We teach people how to care for animals properly and give them a chance to heal alongside them." The sanctuary’s workshops reach schools, families, and community groups, promoting empathy and responsibility, while its ‘Animals Helping People’ initiative pairs animals with individuals facing mental health challenges, isolation, or disability, fostering bonds that transform lives.
With nearly 100 permanent residents—including elderly horses, injured donkeys, and cats with special needs—Crosskennan offers a sanctuary where animals can live out their days in peace. Meanwhile, its rehoming efforts have seen hundreds of animals find loving homes each year, a testament to the team’s dedication.
An urgent call to action
Now, Crosskennan is appealing to its supporters for urgent help. "If even a quarter of our supporters donated £1 a month, it would end our financial struggles," Friel says.
Such a modest contribution could raise thousands, allowing the sanctuary to clear its debts and focus on its dual mission of animal rescue and human support—a task made all the more critical by the lack of adequate resources for vulnerable people in Northern Ireland.
There are many ways to get involved. Supporters can attend events like the beloved ‘Coffee with Cats,’ where visitors sip tea surrounded by purring felines, or book services such as equine therapy sessions.
For £3 a month, individuals can sponsor animals like Betty, a gentle cat, or Willow, Tweedy, and Harper, with the added joy of visiting them at the sanctuary. Regular donations, no matter the size, are also a lifeline.
A community effort
Friel is quick to praise the sanctuary’s supporters.
"You are making a genuine difference to animal welfare and improving the lives of people in our communities," she says. Volunteers, donors, and local businesses have kept Crosskennan afloat through tough times, and now she’s asking them to rally once more. "This isn’t just about paying bills," she adds. "It’s about ensuring we can be there for the next animal in distress, the next person who needs us."
To discover more about Crosskennan’s work, adopt an animal, volunteer, or donate, visit their website by tapping here.
From hosting workshops to caring for its residents, the sanctuary’s impact ripples across Northern Ireland—and with public support, it can continue for decades to come.
"Thank you for standing with us," Friel concludes.
"Together, we can turn this horrendous month into a new chapter of hope."