The Gentle Barn is an American nonprofit 501(c)(3) animal sanctuary organization located in Santa Clarita, California; Dittmer, Missouri; and Christiana, Tennessee. Founded by Ellie Laks in 1999, The Gentle Barn's mission is to provide sanctuary for abused animals who would not otherwise be able to find homes.^[1]

History

The Gentle Barn was founded in 1999 on a half-acre property in Tarzana, California. Jay Weiner, who is also Laks' husband, joined the organization in 2002.^[2] In 2003, the organization moved to a six-acre property at its current location in Santa Clarita.^[3] Laks cites a childhood love for animals as the inspiration for creating the sanctuary. She also credits animals with helping her heal after an abusive childhood.^[4]

The organization began allowing visitors the same year it opened, and later added animal-assisted therapy programs for disabled and special-needs children and at-risk youth,^[5] including inner-city gang members, drug addicts, and abused children.^[4]

In 2012, The Gentle Barn took in 51 animals from the property of Roberto Celedon, a "backyard butcher" who was charged on 13 counts, including three felonies related to cruelty to animals.^[6] For its work in the case, The Gentle Barn was honored by Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich of the Fifth District of Los Angeles County.^[7]

In 2015, a second Gentle Barn was opened in Knoxville, Tennessee, but relocated to Christiana, Tennessee in 2018.^[8] In 2017, a third Gentle Barn was opened in Dittmer, Missouri.^[9] The Gentle Barn hopes to eventually open a location in every state in America.^[10]

The sanctuary

The current six-acre property in Santa Clarita, California has horsed and cow pastures, a barnyard for the smaller animals, and an organic vegetable garden.^[3] It currently houses 170 animals,^[11] including cows, horses, pigs, sheep, chickens, llamas, emus, cats, dogs, and birds.^[4] The first cow rescued, Buddha, is often used for therapy sessions with quadriplegic children.^[12] Animals at The Gentle Barn are treated with a holistic approach, including acupuncture and veterinary chiropractic methods.^[6] The property is completely vegan and does not allow any food products derived from animals.^[13] The property is open for tours on Sundays.^[14] A separate facility, the Sun Chlorella Healing Center, is not open to the public and is used to treat the sickest and most traumatized animals.^[15] The Gentle Barn requires $50,000 a month to operate. Most of the funds come through the website, from individual donors, corporate grants, and foundations. Major donors include Ellen DeGeneres, Portia de Rossi, Hilary Swank,^[5] Kirstie Alley,^[5] Toyota, CBS, William Morris Endeavor, and Princess Cruises.^[4] Actress and animal activist Pamela Anderson has also visited The Gentle Barn to feed turkeys on Thanksgiving.^[1] In 2011, a lock of hair given by Justin Bieber to Ellen DeGeneres was auctioned for over $40,000, with all proceeds going to The Gentle Barn.^[16]