The Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare in East Sussex, was founded by Miss Raymonde-Hawkins in 1952 to prevent and relieve cruelty to animals and to protect them from unnecessary suffering. Around 1500 unwanted and abandoned animals arrive at the centre annually. Dogs, cats and other small companion animals are found new caring homes while others remain in Raystede's care for the rest of their days. There are at present over 1000 animals enjoying a happy and peaceful life at the centre. These include horses, donkeys, goats, sheep, rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, chipmunks, pet rats, mice, hamsters, gerbils, tortoises, terrapins, many different exotic birds and a sanctuary with several lakes for ducks, geese and moorhens.

Anyone who wishes to re-home one of our animals requires a home check from our home visitor and will need to live within 30 miles of Raystede at Ringmer, East Sussex.