Balsam farm Somerset & Dorset Animal Rescue Animal rescue service in Wincanton, Somerset

Fray Cronie-Hillier

"Well we are lucky enough to be adopting the gorgeous Mya from here, all the staff are fantastic and you can tell the really car about the animals they have in their care, shout out to Emma who has been amazing"

Marigold Gorick

"Seriously irresponsible. Somerset and Dorset Animal Rescue conceal the information they have from canine in order to repeatedly supply a very dangerous dog to potential adopters. This organisation is completely unwilling to understand issues around the very different psychological make up of guardian dog breeds from Balkan Countries and think that their understanding of dogs is superior to anyone elses. When their refusal to heed the information supplied to them in the behaviour report on a dog led to the dog attacking and putting a member of the pubic in hospital, their no kill policy has been revealed to mean that they want those adopting dogs to have them put down, for which they offer to make a contribution. Asked to take responsibility for their actions, they will leave a very dangerous dog with a family for months until they agree to take the dog back and only then state that they do not return adoption fees (£400). When asked to understand why a dog has had an extreme change in behaviour and attacked without warning, when the pack dynamic changed and the dog began to assume a guardian, rather than subordinate role the centre alleges that the dog is being returned because it's 'face doesn't fit' not because it has attacked and seriously injured a bystander in an attack that would have been so much worse if speedy and decisive intervention was not made. The highly dangerous dog has been subsequently re-advertised on their website. After concealing the existence of a canine behaviourist report that was later reported to me describe the dog as a ticking time bomb, the adoption centre have tried try to blame the adopter, who has 40+ years of experience of owning and training dogs without any incidences of their dogs attacking or biting anyone at all for the unprovoked and serious attack. Subsequent incidences of unprovoked aggression and biting by the dog occurred while the centre refused to take the dog back and the centre cited fears about the safety of their staff for not taking the dog back while completely disregarding the safety of the children of the family, which they were repeatedly asked to recognise. Find another rescue centre if you are hoping to adopt a dog: This organisation illustrates many of the reasons for current calls for rescue centres to be regulated. Somerset and Dorset Animal Rescue are very far short of adequately responsible or honest in their dealings with potential owners."

Glen Newport

"Earlier in the year we trialed and then adopted a puppy called Marley(now Odie) . From the very beggining we were offered support,training,advice and never felt like we couldnt contact them. We were worried how our 14 year old dog would cope but they helped us and made sure alfie was supported too. Now alfie and odie cant be seperated because they love each other so much. Emma and her team have been excellent and SDAR will always be a very special place to us."

Susie Newport

"After helping out at the rescue organising bedding i met a small poorly puppy that had come into the care of the rescue. After such a fragile start we werent sure if hed make it. After such incredible care and compassion the puppy made a full recovery. I couldnt resist him as id wanted a terrier since i was a girl. When i brought him home i was supported and helped the whole way.7 months later and hes bonded to our family and is truly the most gorgeous boy. We love bringing him to your events to see all his volunteer friends"

Claire Gardiner

"A fantastic facility, I was a little concerned about the height of the fences for my big reactive boy, but he was a superstar, loved having good sniffs and even watched from a distance a chap walk passed with a dog without going crazy. Thank you for providing this area of safety. We'll definitely be back."