About

Who We Are

Declan Bowens and Sharon Dunne

  • Founders and full-time carers at Back Into Daylight Animal Sanctuary.
  • We started the sanctuary twelve years ago from our own home just outside Navan.
  • We provide round-the-clock care to the 500 animal residents and are also extremely fortunate to have dedicated volunteers who help us with administrative tasks, communication, fundraising and expansion projects.

About Our Sanctuary

  • Founded in 2012 by Declan Bowens and Sharon Dunne in Navan, Co. Meath
  • Successfully gained charity status in 2019.
  • We’ve grown exponentially since 2019 to offer a loving home to over 500 animals including dogs, cats, geese, turkeys, pigeons, pigs, goats, ducks, hens, cockerels and exotic birds.
  • Run 100% by unpaid volunteers.
  • Onsite care and support for all animals 24hrs a day, 7 days a week.
  • Successfully awarded a Grant for “excellent work” in 2022 and 2023 by the Department of Agriculture.

“We really appreciate you taking the time to review our charity and hope you can consider supporting our work.”

Our Vision

“A future where humans and other animals live in peace and harmony”

Our Mission

We create a safe and loving forever home for farmed and domestic animals in need. We foster small domestic animals and find them a family best suited to their needs and personality. We promote a vegan philosophy and strive to show people the incredible beauty and individuality of other animals.

What We Do

  • We build secure homes to cater for the ever-increasing number of animals in need.
  • We ensure everyone has access to plenty of space and enrichment to keep them comfortable and content.
  • We provide the right balance of nutrients so everyone can live long and healthy lives.

  • We rehabilitate sick and injured animals back to good health.
  • We partner with highly qualified veterinarian practices to provide
    our animals with routine medical care to keep them at their best.

  • We organise volunteering days for people to engage with the animals and learn about them.
  • We advocate for and promote a way of living that excludes all forms of animal exploitation.
  • We use various channels to
    educate the public about
    responsible animal guardianship.