Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary

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Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary Hope for the Future 🌱 | See crosskennanlane.co.uk/support-us 💚 | Visits by appointment only! 🐴🐶🐱 Once upon a time there were two horses called Kim and Candy.

Sadly that was where the fairytale ended. Their story is the story of Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary, or at least the beginnings of it. The failure of the animal welfare system in Northern Ireland to look after Kim and Candy prompted me to apply for charitable status in 1996. The subsequent years have been full of heartache, tears, anger and ultimately triumph. I promised myself that, whilst Ki

m and Candy had been failed by the welfare system and the ignorance of the rescue centre they were placed in, the horses, ponies and donkeys who came into the care of CLAS would never be denied the love and attention they so desperately deserved. Crosskennan on opening our gates were for equines; horses ponies and donkeys but we have never turned any animal in need away when we can help them. Over the years we have helped an average of 400 animals annually and now in our 25th year we are home to an average of 150 animals on a long term or permanent residency. The last 25 years certainly have not been easy but have made us all the more determined to improve the situation in Northern Ireland. Ignorance is a great stumbling block and time and time again we have found ourselves up against it. It is ignorance that allows a mare to be locked up in a stable in filth for years without regular food or water or exercise. It is ignorance that allows 13 cats to be left to fend for themselves, turning wild and fighting among themselves, in a house after the owner passed away. And it is ignorance that allows a trotting horse to be driven to his death on a public road. Old habits die hard and attitudes are firmly entrenched but we are determined to fight on to make Northern Ireland a better place for all animals. In the meantime, however, we will continue with our educational and cross community approach to animal welfare. Through our Animal's Helping People workshops and training we hope that the next generation of animal owners will be wiser and more informed than this one. Our story isn’t all doom and gloom though. We have the support of many kind people, friends and volunteers who keep the sanctuary running. We also have many success stories. The mare walled up in misery and filth now has a super home and 12 of the 13 cats have all been treated, spayed, and rehomed: living wonderful lives with new families. We may have helped these animals but their triumphs are down to them. They are a testimony to the resilience of animals to overcome psychological and physical abuse and neglect. Their ability to forgive mankind for the terrible deeds inflicted upon them is surely one of the most amazing phenomena of life. Our work has taught us many lessons, some of them humbling, some of them inspiring, all of them worth learning. Our motto is ‘Hope for the future: Help us trust Again’ and it will be for as long as it takes to make a difference in Northern Ireland. We realise that we cannot change the world but that doesn’t stop us trying.

Special shout out to PlayforStrays who have so generously given their time and resources to help our many animals here a...
28/11/2025

Special shout out to PlayforStrays who have so generously given their time and resources to help our many animals here at Crosskennan.

From cat and dog food, toys, supplements and cat litter, our animals have benefitted greatly. We recently discovered after the recent litter donation that mixing it with our own wooden pellets resulted in the perfect litter mix and is lasting much longer than before- even after many years on the job, it’s great to discover new ways of doing things. It may seem small but trust us, with the amount of cats that come through the sanctuary, this is a wonderful find!

Also, while it’s great to be on the receiving end of such donations, we would also like to take a moment to appreciate the hard work from David and team. Their job is no easy one, from endless communication, navigating different rescues, donors and requests to transport for pick ups and deliveries. They do so much more for animals than that, so why not hop over to their page and give them a like/follow and find out more about them, including how you can support their wonderful mission ❤️

A huge thank you to Robert & Sylvia from Furniture World NI – Christmas has come early for our dog residents with all of...
27/11/2025

A huge thank you to Robert & Sylvia from Furniture World NI – Christmas has come early for our dog residents with all of these teddies! 🎄🐶🧸

We’d also like to thank Pamela and her much-loved cat for their very generous donations to our cats this evening. 🐱

All of your support means so much to us and the animals in our care. 🩷

A huge thank you to Darren for his incredibly generous cat food donation today 🐱♥️We currently have 30+ cats onsite (wit...
27/11/2025

A huge thank you to Darren for his incredibly generous cat food donation today 🐱♥️

We currently have 30+ cats onsite (with some new arrivals too) and they get through these pouches daily, so this food will be used immediately and makes a real difference.

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who donates items to the sanctuary – even though we don’t always get the chance to post every contribution, or catch you when you drop it off!

Only until Sunday left to Bid☃️☃️🎉🎉🎄🎄❄️Charity Auction
27/11/2025

Only until Sunday left to Bid☃️☃️🎉🎉🎄🎄❄️
Charity Auction

📌 AUCTION INFORMATION – PLEASE READ BEFORE BIDDING
🟢 How to Bid

To bid, comment directly under this lot with your bid amount.

All bids must be in whole pounds (£).

If your bid is below the reserve, it will not count.

The highest valid bid at 8pm on Sunday 30th November wins the lot.

🔄 Outbid Notifications

We will try to notify people when they have been outbid,
but as our auction is run entirely by volunteers, this may not always be possible.
Please keep checking your bids.

📦 Postage, Packing & Collection
📮 Standard Postage (smaller items)

Standard postage for small/medium items is £3.50 (Royal Mail Second Class Small Parcel).

Postage is added to the winning bid unless otherwise stated.

🚚 Postage for Larger or Fragile Items (Art, Glass, Larger Pieces)

We can post larger items and glassware.

Postage costs for these items will vary depending on size, weight, and packaging required.

We will confirm the postage cost with the winner after the auction.

All postage of glass and large items is strictly at the buyer’s own risk.

🚫 About Glassware

Glass lots are hand-blown, delicate, and unboxed.

We wrap them extremely carefully, but we cannot guarantee safe arrival.

Posting is available only at the buyer’s risk, or you may choose collection/delivery instead.

📍 Collection

Collection available from:
Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary, Ballynoe, Antrim (BT41 2QY).

🚗 Volunteer Delivery

Local delivery may be possible if a volunteer lives nearby.

This is not guaranteed and will be arranged case by case after the auction.

💳 Payment

Winners will be contacted after the auction closes.

Payment is required before collection or postage.

Payment details will be provided privately.

📅 Auction Ends

⏰ Sunday 30th November at 8pm sharp
Any bids timestamped after 8:00pm will not be counted.

🐴 Thank You

All proceeds go directly toward our winter care costs, which exceed £26,000 per month to feed, bed, house, and provide veterinary care for our animals.

25/11/2025

** UPDATE: This boy has now found a foster placement thanks to Animal Connexions Rescue & Rehoming **

🚨 Emergency Rehoming Appeal - This dog is not at the sanctuary 🚨

We’re urgently trying to find a safe, suitable option for an older male dog who has been living with an elderly lady. Due to a change in circumstances, he can no longer stay where he is and needs help as soon as possible.

He’s an older boy with very limited training and has lived a quiet, slow life, so he’d need someone patient, experienced and ideally with a calm or rural (but secure) home.

If you think you could help, or know someone who might be able to offer a foster or permanent home, please get in touch via:
📧 [email protected]

Even sharing this could help him find the right person. Thank you.

Christmas Festive Fun🎄🐶 Only a Few Weeks Left to Secure Your Spot!Susie is checking the list again… and she wants to mak...
25/11/2025

Christmas Festive Fun🎄
🐶 Only a Few Weeks Left to Secure Your Spot!
Susie is checking the list again… and she wants to make sure YOU don’t miss out on Christmas at Crosskennan! 🎅✨

Our Christmas events are now live — and with limited spaces, they’re filling up fast. Whether you love ponies, prefer cats, or want the full festive experience, there’s something for everyone at the sanctuary this year. 💚

⸻

⭐ 🎁 FULL EVENT LIST – SATURDAY 6TH DECEMBER

🐴 Pony Ground Games – Morning Session (11:00–12:30)

Festive, non-ridden fun for adults & kids!
Pony games • grooming • decorating • cookies • crafts • meet-and-greets
🎟️ Pony Games Ticket £25
🎟️ General Ticket £15

⸻

🐎 Ridden Pony Camp – Afternoon Session (1:30–3:00)

Pony rides • ridden games • grooming • decorating • crafts • cookies
🎟️ Riding Ticket £35
🎟️ General Ticket £15

⸻

🐱☕ Cats & Coffee – AM & PM Sessions

A calm, cosy festive hour with our sanctuary cats
Hot drink • sweet treat • crafts in the barn • pony meet-and-greets
🎟️ £15 per person

⸻

🎅🧸 Santa Visits (Optional Add-On)

£5 — Visit Santa with festive sweets
£10 — Visit Santa + Cyril Teddy & certificate
(All proceeds support the animals over Christmas)

⸻

👨‍👩‍👧 Family Packages Available

Make a full festive day of it — mix ponies, cats, coffee, cookies, games & more.
£120 or £135 bundles, depending on session choices.

⸻

⭐ BOOK NOW

👉 https://www.crosskennanlane.co.uk/events-1/christmas-at-crosskennan
📌 Spaces are limited — please book early to secure your place!

After booking, don’t forget to complete the registration form sent with your tickets.

⸻

💚 Why It Matters

Every ticket supports the rescued horses, ponies, donkeys, dogs and cats who call Crosskennan home this Christmas.
Our events are 100% volunteer-run — your support keeps us going through the winter.

⸻

🐶🎄

☃️🌲Our Charity Auction❄️❄️🎄 6days left to bid. Check out the information below 🎉🎉https://www.facebook.com/share/1NRRzXYS...
25/11/2025

☃️🌲Our Charity Auction❄️❄️🎄 6days left to bid. Check out the information below 🎉🎉
https://www.facebook.com/share/1NRRzXYSK8/

📌 AUCTION INFORMATION – PLEASE READ BEFORE BIDDING
🟢 How to Bid

To bid, comment directly under this lot with your bid amount.

All bids must be in whole pounds (£).

If your bid is below the reserve, it will not count.

The highest valid bid at 8pm on Sunday 30th November wins the lot.

🔄 Outbid Notifications

We will try to notify people when they have been outbid,
but as our auction is run entirely by volunteers, this may not always be possible.
Please keep checking your bids.

📦 Postage, Packing & Collection
📮 Standard Postage (smaller items)

Standard postage for small/medium items is £3.50 (Royal Mail Second Class Small Parcel).

Postage is added to the winning bid unless otherwise stated.

🚚 Postage for Larger or Fragile Items (Art, Glass, Larger Pieces)

We can post larger items and glassware.

Postage costs for these items will vary depending on size, weight, and packaging required.

We will confirm the postage cost with the winner after the auction.

All postage of glass and large items is strictly at the buyer’s own risk.

🚫 About Glassware

Glass lots are hand-blown, delicate, and unboxed.

We wrap them extremely carefully, but we cannot guarantee safe arrival.

Posting is available only at the buyer’s risk, or you may choose collection/delivery instead.

📍 Collection

Collection available from:
Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary, Ballynoe, Antrim (BT41 2QY).

🚗 Volunteer Delivery

Local delivery may be possible if a volunteer lives nearby.

This is not guaranteed and will be arranged case by case after the auction.

💳 Payment

Winners will be contacted after the auction closes.

Payment is required before collection or postage.

Payment details will be provided privately.

📅 Auction Ends

⏰ Sunday 30th November at 8pm sharp
Any bids timestamped after 8:00pm will not be counted.

🐴 Thank You

All proceeds go directly toward our winter care costs, which exceed £26,000 per month to feed, bed, house, and provide veterinary care for our animals.

All made by Scott BenefieldBenefield Spencer Glass, BallintoyHand-blown, hand-sculpted, unique pieces.
25/11/2025

All made by Scott Benefield
Benefield Spencer Glass, Ballintoy
Hand-blown, hand-sculpted, unique pieces.

🎄✨ Our Christmas Craft Auction Is Now Underway! ✨🎄We still have a few more lots to add, but bidding is officially open —...
23/11/2025

🎄✨ Our Christmas Craft Auction Is Now Underway! ✨🎄

We still have a few more lots to add, but bidding is officially open — and you can already browse and bid on a fantastic range of handmade crafted items, artwork, and brand-new gifts.
These pieces would all make amazing Christmas presents, special keepsakes, or something unique just for you.

From knitted characters and dolls to framed artwork, signed prints, crystal glassware, and boxed gift sets, there’s something for everyone — and every penny raised goes towards helping us cover our winter care costs, which currently exceed £26,000 a month. 💚🐴🐾

👉 Browse the Auction Album Here:
https://www.facebook.com/share/17RyemujEq/?

We currently have 27 lots live, with more being added later today, so keep checking back and refreshing the album for the newest additions.

Please take a look, place a bid if you can, and share the album to help us spread the word.
Your support truly makes a difference. 💚

📌 AUCTION INFORMATION – PLEASE READ BEFORE BIDDING
🟢 How to Bid

To bid, comment directly under this lot with your bid amount.

All bids must be in whole pounds (£).

If your bid is below the reserve, it will not count.

The highest valid bid at 8pm on Sunday 30th November wins the lot.

🔄 Outbid Notifications

We will try to notify people when they have been outbid,
but as our auction is run entirely by volunteers, this may not always be possible.
Please keep checking your bids.

📦 Postage, Packing & Collection
📮 Standard Postage (smaller items)

Standard postage for small/medium items is £3.50 (Royal Mail Second Class Small Parcel).

Postage is added to the winning bid unless otherwise stated.

🚚 Postage for Larger or Fragile Items (Art, Glass, Larger Pieces)

We can post larger items and glassware.

Postage costs for these items will vary depending on size, weight, and packaging required.

We will confirm the postage cost with the winner after the auction.

All postage of glass and large items is strictly at the buyer’s own risk.

🚫 About Glassware

Glass lots are hand-blown, delicate, and unboxed.

We wrap them extremely carefully, but we cannot guarantee safe arrival.

Posting is available only at the buyer’s risk, or you may choose collection/delivery instead.

📍 Collection

Collection available from:
Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary, Ballynoe, Antrim (BT41 2QY).

🚗 Volunteer Delivery

Local delivery may be possible if a volunteer lives nearby.

This is not guaranteed and will be arranged case by case after the auction.

💳 Payment

Winners will be contacted after the auction closes.

Payment is required before collection or postage.

Payment details will be provided privately.

📅 Auction Ends

⏰ Sunday 30th November at 8pm sharp
Any bids timestamped after 8:00pm will not be counted.

🐴 Thank You

All proceeds go directly toward our winter care costs, which exceed £26,000 per month to feed, bed, house, and provide veterinary care for our animals.

Lot 23 – Galway Crystal “Erne” Hi-Ball Glass Set (4-piece, boxed)Brand new boxed crystal glasses.Retail: £19.95Reserve: ...
22/11/2025

Lot 23 – Galway Crystal “Erne” Hi-Ball Glass Set (4-piece, boxed)

Brand new boxed crystal glasses.
Retail: £19.95
Reserve: £10

🟢 How to Bid

To bid, comment directly under this lot with your bid amount.

All bids must be in whole pounds (£).

If your bid is below the reserve, it will not count.

The highest valid bid at 8pm on Sunday 30th November wins the lot.

🔄 Outbid Notifications

We will try to notify people when they have been outbid,
but as our auction is run entirely by volunteers, this may not always be possible.
Please keep checking your bids.

📦 Postage, Packing & Collection
📮 Standard Postage (smaller items)

Standard postage for small/medium items is £3.50 (Royal Mail Second Class Small Parcel).

Postage is added to the winning bid unless otherwise stated.

🚚 Postage for Larger or Fragile Items (Art, Glass, Larger Pieces)

We can post larger items and glassware.

Postage costs for these items will vary depending on size, weight, and packaging required.

We will confirm the postage cost with the winner after the auction.

All postage of glass and large items is strictly at the buyer’s own risk.

📍 Collection

Collection available from:
Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary, Ballynoe, Antrim (BT41 2QY).

🚗 Volunteer Delivery

Local delivery may be possible if a volunteer lives nearby.

This is not guaranteed and will be arranged case by case after the auction.

💳 Payment

Winners will be contacted after the auction closes.

Payment is required before collection or postage.

Payment details will be provided privately.

📅 Auction Ends

⏰ Sunday 30th November at 8pm sharp
Any bids timestamped after 8:00pm will not be counted.

🐴 Thank You

All proceeds go directly toward our winter care costs, which exceed £26,000 per month to feed, bed, house, and provide veterinary care for our animals.

🎄🖼️ Artwork & Gift Lots Now Live! ✨🎁Our next group of Christmas Craft Auction lots has just been added — a beautiful mix...
22/11/2025

🎄🖼️ Artwork & Gift Lots Now Live! ✨🎁

Our next group of Christmas Craft Auction lots has just been added — a beautiful mix of original artwork, signed prints, and brand-new boxed gift items, all kindly donated to help us raise essential winter funds.

🖼️ Artwork & Prints
From delicate watercolours to rich acrylic landscapes and signed wildlife prints, these pieces are perfect for bringing colour and character into any home.
They make stunning Christmas gifts, or a lovely treat for yourself.

🎁 Brand New Gifts
We also have a selection of boxed, unused gift items — including crystal glassware, designer cup-and-saucer sets, and luxury burner gift sets.
Ideal for Christmas gifting, Secret Santa, or adding a little luxury to your festive season.

Every piece in this collection is brand new and has been generously donated to help support our animals during the toughest months of the year.

👉 To bid: Click into each lot and comment your bid amount.
👉 Every penny goes directly towards our £26,000+ per month winter care costs.

We’ll continue adding more throughout the evening, so keep an eye on the auction album!

Thank you, as always, for your kindness and support. 💚🐴🐾

🎄🧶 Our First Christmas Craft Auction Lots Are Live! 🧶🎄We’re kicking things off with a gorgeous collection of hand-knitte...
22/11/2025

🎄🧶 Our First Christmas Craft Auction Lots Are Live! 🧶🎄

We’re kicking things off with a gorgeous collection of hand-knitted characters and dolls, each one lovingly crafted and donated to support the sanctuary this winter.
Every piece is brand new, full of charm, and would make a perfect Christmas present, keepsake gift, or a special collectible for someone who loves handmade creations.

From firefighters and postmen to ballerinas, mice in dungarees, and childhood favourites like Humpty Dumpty — these beautiful dolls are packed with personality and heart. ❤️🧵

👉 To bid: click into each lot and comment your bid amount.
👉 All proceeds go directly toward our winter care, which costs over £26,000 per month.

More lots will be added throughout the evening, including artwork, glassware, and brand-new boxed gift items — so stay tuned and keep refreshing the album!

Thank you for your support, your shares, and your kindness. You’re helping us keep our animals safe and warm this winter. 💚🐴🐾

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+442894465384

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