WESTFIELD-Almost every day, Robin and Kerry Plourde share their adventures of life at the Whip City Animal Sanctuary with Facebook followers, and recently they asked the community to name their latest newborn – a filly.
Reed frolics in the meadow at the Whip City Animal Sanctuary. (KERRY PLOURDE PHOTO)
“After many suggestions for names, we decided to name our newest member of the family, ‘Reed,’ after the Reed family that formally owned and operated the farm since the 1800s,” said Kerry Plourde. “She is a beautiful, healthy mixed draft horse.”
Robin Plourde explained they received the mother before going to auction.
Mom and filly are doing well at the Whip City Animal Sanctuary. (KERRY PLOURDE PHOTO)
“We found out they sometimes impregnate the mare before auction to add weight,” said Robin Plourde. “Horses that are not sound are typically bought by kill buyers who sell them per pound for meat.”
“Molly,” the mom, and “Reed” are now safe, healthy and happy at the sanctuary, added Robin Plourde.
Kerry Plourde noted their farm was originally a multiple generational dairy farm.
“The Reeds kindly gave us an old aerial picture of the farm and a copy of an original agreement made on Sept. 28, 1898 with an option of buying the property for $1,500,” said Kerry Plourde.
Reed is enjoying life at the Whip City Animal Sanctuary. (KERRY PLOURDE PHOTO)
Robin Plourde added they understood how difficult it was for Bill Reed to sell the farm and home he was born in.
“We love hearing Bill’s stories about the property and enjoy his visits,” said Robin Plourde. “We hope the Reed family is happy with what we are doing and know they can visit anytime.”
While both Robin and Kerry have full-time and part-time jobs, their list of chores around the farm is endless.
“I know we can’t accept any more animals until we can figure out how to have more fundraisers and have an established crew of volunteers,” said Kerry Plourde. “Robin does all shifts which is too much for her. I help with as many as I can. I don’t mind all the work but it can sometimes be overwhelming and discouraging for us.”
Since fundraising is “very important” to sustain the sanctuary, Kerry Plourde noted they have been denied a permit to have any fundraising events at the farm.
“We have been approached by members of the community to have events such as an antique car show, a craft fair with local crafters, music, and local food trucks all to help grow and save more animals,” said Kerry Plourde. “We were told we would need to hire a lawyer to appeal.”
Robin Plourde noted that all funds raised goes to the animals for shelter, food, and vet care.
“We did express this to the building commissioner but the denial stands,” said Robin Plourde. “We are waiting for a response from the mayor.”
The Westfield News reached out to Mayor Donald Humason Jr.’s office for comment and he noted he is still looking into the situation.
“I received an email from the family but have not talked to them specifically,” said Humason. “I plan to talk to the Law Office and city solicitor. I recognize what they do at the sanctuary is a good thing and we should support them and let’s try to make it possible.”
Carissa M. Lisee, superintendent of buildings and building commissioner, noted in an email “the proposed use of the property is not accessory to the principal use (farming/agriculture). The fundraising events need to be accessory to the farm/agricultural use.”
Lisee said that, for example, food truck events and car shows “are not accessory to the agricultural use,” therefore, it is not allowed.
“The owners of the property have the right to appeal my decision to the ZBA,” said Lisee. “While this is a great cause and what they do for animals is extremely admirable, these larger fundraising events will need to be held in a zone that is more appropriate and allows for these types of events.”
Kerry Plourde said when they chat with visitors they are thanked for offering “something wholesome” in the area.
“Most people that we talk to are happy we are here and love what we are doing,” said Kerry Plourde. “We don’t charge an entrance fee so anyone can visit. If it was meant to be it will happen. Maybe someone in the community will help?”
In the past few months, Sonia Henderson, who serves as fundraising coordinator on the sanctuary’s board, has enlisted the help of volunteers to assist Kerry and Robin raise funds for the animals in their care.
“Sonia is one of our amazing volunteers,” said Kerry Plourde. “Robin and I are very much hands-on here at the sanctuary and don’t have the time, energy, or talent for these vital endeavors. We could never do what we do without the hard work of our volunteers.”
Robin Plourde added that “vet bills are crazy right now” and every penny helps.
The next fundraiser is the first Whip City Animal Sanctuary Golf Tournament, slated July 17 at the East Mountain Country Club in Westfield. The registration fee is $100 per player and includes golf cart and dinner. Golf starts at 1 p.m. and dinner begins at 5:30 p.m. Contests and a raffle are planned as part of the festivities, and sponsors and raffle prizes are being sought. For more details, visit the Whip City Animal Sanctuary Facebook page.
“I haven’t decided if I’ll be playing in the tournament,” said Kerry Plourde. “I think Robin and I will be too busy with other things. We hope to bring some of the animals to the tournament if allowed.”
