Tiverton's West Place Animal Sanctuary wins new vehicle. What it's for
- Apr 8
- 2 min read
Updated: 5 hours ago
April 8, 2026
Beth McDermott
West Place Animal Sanctuary in Tiverton has received a customized Defender 130 vehicle after winning the Defender Service Awards, according to a community announcement.
The vehicle was handed over at the Land Rover Warwick dealership, according to the announcement. The Defender 130, known for its robust features, is expected to enhance the sanctuary's ability to care for farm animals and wildlife.
West Place also received a $30,000 grant from the award's category sponsors.
The vehicle, with its distinctive wrap design and accessories, is expected to promote the sanctuary throughout the community and expand its reach to more animals in need, according to the announcement.
Paul Martineau, general sales manager at Jake Kaplan’s Land Rover Warwick, expressed his support for the sanctuary.
“I’m honored to represent Jake Kaplan’s Land Rover as we celebrate a truly special recipient. West Place volunteers and staff do the difficult, essential work every day, often with limited resources, driven only by love and commitment. That work matters. It changes lives,” he said.
Martineau added that the Defender is more than just a vehicle. “More than a truck, this Defender is a tool for good: enabling faster response, greater capacity, and increased flexibility so West Place can focus on what they do best ... caring for animals and educating our community.”
West Place Animal Sanctuary provides care and a safe haven to farm animals rescued from abuse, neglect, and cruelty, according to the announcement. It is also a licensed wildlife rehabilitation center that assists sick, injured, and orphaned animals, releasing healthy wildlife back into their natural habitats.
The sanctuary's rescue work extends across New England, the East Coast, and even Texas. With a network of more than 100 volunteers and student interns, the sanctuary provides animal care 365 days a year and offers hands-on educational experiences to high school and college students.
To learn more about the 2025 Defender Service Awards and the six category winners, visit the official Defender media site at https://media.landrover.com/en-us/news/2025/11/driven-purpose-nonprofit-heroes-win-defender-service-awards.
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