Sonoma sanctuary takes in evacuated farm animals

Charlie’s Acres, the new farm animal sanctuary on Napa Road, took in 22 evacuated farm animals from all over the county – 14 goats, four horses, four pigs – last week as a result of the Kincade fire.

“We will likely also be taking in some long-term fosters once people are allowed to return home and find out that they will need time to rebuild,” said owner Tracy Vogt.

Vogt said that her team was on standby throughout the fires and took in animals at all times of the day and night during the first couple of days.

Charlie’s Acres worked closely with another local nonprofit, the Sonoma Community Animal Response Team (CART).

“They did an amazing job during the disaster of organizing rescues and dispatching people to do the rescues and bring the animals to safe places like at Charlie’s Acres,” said Vogt. “Our volunteers in the community also stepped up in a big way to provide extra support and love and care for the incoming animals who were understandably very stressed and nervous about what was going on.

One added challenge for the Sonoma farm animal sanctuary was the lack of power, no water well service, and the need to fill all the water troughs of the more than 140 animals by hand.

Vogt said that three of the rescued horses will likely be heading back this week to their home, as well as four of the goats.

“This frees up our space we have intentionally left for emergency evacuations, in case there is anything else that pops up, or to help animals at the fairgrounds that may not have a home to go back to,” said Vogt. “We are doing really well with physical supplies like food and hay, but of course could always use donations to support their ongoing needs. (charliesacres.salsalabs.org/donate).