The Friends in Need Animal Sanctuary in Eagle Mountain, Utah has been a home to hundreds of animals over the years. What started out as dog and cat rescue in 2002 quickly evolved to provide refuge for all types of farm and exotic animals. From yaks, peacocks, and cavies, to cows, pigs, and roosters, the farm has it all. Community members come together as volunteers to help care for the farm. David Curneal was one of those regular volunteers.
David learned to care for animals early in life. He grew up on his aunt and uncle’s farm where his aunt’s racing homer pigeons caught his eye. By the time he was eight, he had his own pigeon coop and has raised pigeons ever since.
When David heard that the Friends In Need Animal Sanctuary was for sale in 2020, he and his wife decided to abandon their plans for retirement and purchase the farm. Aside from the daily tasks of feeding and caring for the animals, David finds himself regularly building or improving enclosures for the 270 animals on the farm. A new rooster enclosure proudly showcases the name “The Clucking Dutchman”.
To fund the farm, David plants a beautiful flower cutting garden each year, where members of the community can purchase flowers to create their own bouquets. He aims to help the farm be as self-sustaining as possible.
Many volunteer groups come each week to help with various projects. David has watched as the farm has become more than a sanctuary for animals—it is a place of refuge for the people visiting, too. He noted that when a need arises, “good people come out of the woodwork, people want to make a difference.” We are happy to announce that David Curneal is our October 2022 Goodness Grant recipient.
If you would like to get involved with Friends in Need, please visit their website.
To nominate someone you know for a Goodness Grant, fill out this form.
