Tiverton animal sanctuary named finalist in national awards competition

Public voting runs through Oct. 19 for West Place’s chance at custom vehicle, $30,000

October 2, 2025

Ryan Belmore

What's Up Newp

Reppin' Rhody: West Place is a National Finalist, Voting Begins Tomorrow (via West Place Animal Sanctuary)

West Place Animal Sanctuary has been named a finalist in the fifth annual Defender Service Awards presented by Chase, marking the fourth time in five years the Rhode Island nonprofit has reached the finals.

The organization, which rescues and rehabilitates farm animals, is competing in the Honorees category against nonprofits from across the United States and Canada. West Place finished in second place in 2024 and remains the only Rhode Island organization to reach the finals in any category.

Free daily public voting begins Thursday and runs through Oct. 19 at westplace.org/vote. The winning organization will receive a custom Defender 130 vehicle, $30,000 in award funding and national recognition.

"For more than 18 years, West Place has served the underrepresented and overlooked animal populations in Rhode Island and southern New England," said founder and Executive Director Wendy Taylor. "It is an honor to be recognized once again, and to represent the smallest state on the biggest stage."

The Defender Service Awards honor nonprofit and charitable organizations that embody the spirit of Defender, the British adventure brand. The Honorees category recognizes past finalists from 2021 to 2024 and gives them another opportunity to win.

"As we celebrate five years of the Defender Service Awards, we continue to be inspired by the missions and people of nonprofit and charitable organizations across North America," said Sam Allen, U.S. brand director for Defender.

Taylor encouraged supporters to vote daily and spread the word about the competition.

"West Place has been giving farm animals and wildlife the second chances they deserve for nearly two decades," she said. "Now, we have one more chance to bring the top prize home to Rhode Island."

The organization is seeking Defender Ambassadors to help promote voting. Winners will be announced Nov. 15 during a celebration at Destination Defender in Temecula, California.

Founded in 2007, West Place is the oldest and largest farm animal sanctuary in Rhode Island. It is also a licensed wildlife rehabilitation facility that assists waterfowl and game birds. The nonprofit offers educational tours, volunteer opportunities and internships for students.

For more information, visit westplace.org.