Author: Robin Mason, GFAS

February 25, 2020 (Lindstrom, MN)) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Verified status to Farmaste Animal Sanctuary as of February 24, 2020.

Verification means that Farmaste Animal Sanctuary meets the criteria of a true farmed animal sanctuary and is providing humane and responsible care of the animals. To be awarded Verified status, an organization must meet GFAS’s rigorous and peer-reviewed animal care standards which are confirmed by a site visit and they must also adhere to a demanding set of ethical and operational principles. The Verification status also provides a clear and trusted means for the public, donors and grantors to recognize Farmaste Animal Sanctuary as an exceptional organization.

“We are proud to announce the recent Verification of Farmaste Animal Sanctuary, an organization dedicated to providing a permanent home for farmed animals,” said Daryl Tropea, Ph.D., GFAS Program Director. “Derived from the word “namaste”, Farmaste Animal Sanctuary is a place of peacefulness and thankfulness. Goats, pigs, sheep and cattle have found their forever home on this beautiful farm. True to their mission, public education is designed to change the perception of people regarding these animals and encourage a vegan lifestyle.”

“Becoming a GFAS verified sanctuary was important to us because we unfortunately have first-hand experience with the poor animal care that can occur at farm sanctuaries,” explained Shannon Kehle-Forbes, Vice President of Farmaste Animal Sanctuary Board of Directors. “One of our residents, Ellie, was rescued from a sanctuary that was neglecting her basic needs. Verification gives our supporters confidence that their donations are being used responsibly and that our residents’ health and well-being are always our highest priority. The transparency and accountability that comes with verification also pushes Farmaste to continue to strive for the highest standards in our animal care and business practices as we continue to grow. We are so excited and proud to have been granted Verified status.”

About Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries
Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization dedicated to the sole purpose of strengthening and supporting the work of animal sanctuaries, rescues, and rehabilitation centers worldwide. The goal of GFAS in working with and assisting these animal care facilities is to ensure they are supported, honored, recognized and rewarded for meeting important criteria in providing care to the animals in residence. GFAS was founded in 2007 by animal protection leaders from a number of different organizations in response to virtually unchecked and often hidden exploitation of animals for human entertainment and financial profit. The GFAS Board of Directors guides the organization’s work in a collaborative manner. While the board includes those in top leadership at The Humane Society of the United States, International Fund for Animal Welfare, and American Anti-Vivisection Society, all board members serve as individuals dedicated to animal sanctuaries. www.sanctuaryfederation.org.

About Farmaste Animal Sanctuary
Farmaste is a nonprofit 501c3 organization that rescues farmed animals from cruelty situations. We provide them with vet care, and a loving home for life. At Farmaste Animal Sanctuary our mission is to change the lives of farmed animals by removing them from abusive situations, changing the perception the public has about them, and encouraging compassionate vegan living. For more information, visit http://www.farmaste.org.

Download press release here.

February 10, 2020 (Worcestershire, UK) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Verified status to Goodheart Animal Sanctuaries (The Nickless Farm) as of February 6,2020.

Verification means that Goodheart Animal Sanctuaries meets the criteria of a true farmed animal sanctuary and is providing humane and responsible care of the animals. To be awarded Verified status, an organization must meet GFAS’s rigorous and peer-reviewed animal care standards which are confirmed by a site visit and they must also adhere to a demanding set of ethical and operational principles. The Verification status also provides a clear and trusted means for the public, donors and grantors to recognize Goodheart Animal Sanctuaries as an exceptional organization.

“We are very proud to announce the recent Verification of Goodheart Farm Animal Sanctuary at The Nickless Farm,” said Daryl Tropea Ph.D., GFAS Program Director. “They are the first farmed animal sanctuary to be certified by GFAS in Europe. Founders, David Walker and Dwynwen Jones established Goodheart Farm Animal Sanctuary in 2017 on 92 beautiful acres to provide a lifelong home to more than 300 animals including sheep, pigs, cows, goats and birds. Under the exceptional leadership of Alison Hood, Goodheart’s team of professionals provides the highest quality of animal care to their residents as well engaging in several advocacy campaigns including; exposing cruelty and neglect in animal farming, promoting better legislation, and educating the public regarding the nature of these animals as sentient beings.”

“Goodheart Farm Animal Sanctuary is thrilled to be the first farm animal sanctuary in Europe to receive GFAS verification,” said Alison Hood, Project Director of Goodheart Animal Sanctuaries. “Farm animals are the underdogs of the animal world; labelled differently and often treated appallingly. There are a tiny few who escape their fate and become ambassadors for their kind at Farm Sanctuaries.   The GFAS programme is so important to these farm animals; it not only helps ensure excellent welfare and strong policies; it also reflects that these wonderful, sentient animals deserve an excellent standard of care.  We hope that GHAS and GFAS’s commitment to farm animal welfare will help trigger a more compassionate relationship with farm animals for more people.”

About Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries
Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization dedicated to the sole purpose of strengthening and supporting the work of animal sanctuaries, rescues, and rehabilitation centers worldwide. The goal of GFAS in working with and assisting these animal care facilities is to ensure they are supported, honored, recognized and rewarded for meeting important criteria in providing care to the animals in residence. GFAS was founded in 2007 by animal protection leaders from a number of different organizations in response to virtually unchecked and often hidden exploitation of animals for human entertainment and financial profit. The GFAS Board of Directors guides the organization’s work in a collaborative manner. While the board includes those in top leadership at The Humane Society of the United States, International Fund for Animal Welfare, and American Anti-Vivisection Society, all board members serve as individuals dedicated to animal sanctuaries. www.sanctuaryfederation.org.

About Goodheart Farm Animal Sanctuary (The Nickless Farm)
Goodheart Animal Sanctuaries (GHAS) aims to create safe sanctuaries for rescued, abused and neglected animals and uses an evidence-based approach to educate the public about animal welfare and global sustainability. GHAS celebrates and promotes all animals as individual, sentient beings. We believe in establishing robust partnerships in the local community, regionally, and across the nation to ensure our message is spread far and wide. By working together, and celebrating every achievable step towards positive change, we can reduce the negative impact that animal agriculture has on animals, humans and our planet. For more information please visit, https://www.goodheartanimalsanctuaries.com.

Download Verification Press Release here.

January 29, 2020 (Winchester, NH) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Verified status to Draft Gratitude as of January 16, 2020.

Verification means that Draft Gratitude meets the criteria of a true equine sanctuary/rescue and is providing humane and responsible care of the animals. To be awarded Verified status, an organization must meet GFAS’s rigorous and peer-reviewed animal care standards which are confirmed by a site visit and they must also adhere to a demanding set of ethical and operational principles. The Verification status also provides a clear and trusted means for the public, donors and grantors to recognize Draft Gratitude as an exceptional organization.

“We are excited to announce the recent Verification of Draft Gratitude,” said Daryl Tropea Ph.D., GFAS Program Director-Equine. “Draft Gratitude provides quality health care and rehabilitation to a special population of aged working horses. Draft horses are still used for work in farming communities throughout many of the north eastern states.  Their large size can be challenging for many rescues to accommodate, this is one of the reasons why Draft Gratitude will only take in drafts.  Once rehabilitated, these draft horses make wonderful companions for people interested in intelligent, levelheaded horses capable of light riding or pleasure driving.”

“The GFAS Verification is important to us for two specific reasons.  The first reason is because our donors trust the work that our organization is doing.  We don’t take that trust lightly. This verification shows our commitment to transparency.  The second reason this was important to us is because it was a phenomenal exercise in thinking about and planning for Draft Gratitude’s future. I am grateful and honored that Draft Gratitude earned this verification.  This is a commitment to a very special group of horses, namely aged working horses.  They have earned the right to a safe retirement and we intend to provide just that for as many as we can,” said Rebecca Roy, Draft Gratitude Executive Director.

The GFAS Equine Accreditation Program is made possible by a generous grant from The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® and the Kenneth Scott Charitable Trust.

About Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries
Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization dedicated to the sole purpose of strengthening and supporting the work of animal sanctuaries, rescues, and rehabilitation centers worldwide. The goal of GFAS in working with and assisting these animal care facilities is to ensure they are supported, honored, recognized and rewarded for meeting important criteria in providing care to the animals in residence. GFAS was founded in 2007 by animal protection leaders from a number of different organizations in response to virtually unchecked and often hidden exploitation of animals for human entertainment and financial profit. The GFAS Board of Directors guides the organization’s work in a collaborative manner. While the board includes those in top leadership at The Humane Society of the United States, International Fund for Animal Welfare, and American Anti-Vivisection Society, all board members serve as individuals dedicated to animal sanctuaries. www.sanctuaryfederation.org.

About Draft Gratitude
Draft Gratitude, established in 2014, is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization dedicated to saving the lives of unwanted draft horses.  Their primary focus is on aged working horses. Once rescued, the draft horses are rehabilitated and will either be available for adoption or stay in sanctuary safely for the rest of their days.

Draft Gratitude hosts an open barn visiting day the first Saturday of each month from 10am-12pm.  Other visiting times are by appointment only.  Learn more about Draft Gratitude, its mission, and opportunities to help unwanted draft horses at www.draftgratitude.com.

Download press release here.

January 28, 2020 (Westfield, WI) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Accredited status to Primates Incorporated as of January 22, 2020.

Accreditation signifies that Primates Incorporated meets GFAS’s rigorous and peer-reviewed animal care standards which are confirmed by a comprehensive site visit. Accreditation also signifies adherence to standards addressing the sustainability of the organization, ethical principles, finances, staffing, education outreach, security and safety and other operational aspects.

“We are proud to announce the transition from Verified to Accredited status of Primates Incorporated,” said Kristin Leppert, Wildlife Program Director. “This group has put in a lot of work to provide monkeys in need with a true sanctuary home. Their focus on developing physical and financial plans for long-term sustainability means that more monkeys in need of sanctuary will one day be able to reside peacefully at Primates Incorporated with loving companions.” “We are honored to be accredited by GFAS and we look forward to helping more monkeys retire to our sanctuary in an enriching and dignified manner,” said Amy Kerwin, Executive Director of Primates Incorporated. “Thank you to GFAS for setting excellent animal welfare standards for sanctuaries.”

About Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries
Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the sole purpose of strengthening and supporting the work of animal sanctuaries, rescues, and rehabilitation centers worldwide. The goal of GFAS in working with and assisting these animal care facilities is to ensure they are supported, honored, recognized and rewarded for meeting important criteria in providing care to the animals in residence. GFAS was founded in 2007 by animal protection leaders from a number of different organizations in response to virtually unchecked and often hidden exploitation of animals for human entertainment and financial profit. The GFAS Board of Directors guides the organization’s work in a collaborative manner. While the board includes those in top leadership at The Humane Society of the United States, International Fund for Animal Welfare, and American Anti-Vivisection Society, all board members serve as individuals dedicated to animal sanctuaries. www.sanctuaryfederation.org.

About Primates Incorporated
Amy Kerwin founded Primates Incorporated in 2004 after working in a laboratory for five years with 97 rhesus monkeys at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Although her laboratory did not believe in primate retirement, other laboratories were actively retiring monkeys from throughout the United States. Since she heard of existing sanctuaries rejecting the laboratories due to capacity and funding issues, Kerwin knew the need existed to help them. She focused on developing a sanctuary in Wisconsin so that she could work with other laboratories to retire their monkeys, helping set precedent for local laboratories to do the same thing. Located in Westfield, Wisconsin, the sanctuary currently cares for 5 rhesus macaques retired from research and two monkeys from the pet trade: a 17-yr-old vervet monkey and a 1-yr-old green monkey who are now living peacefully together in the same enclosure. Primates Incorporated is a federally registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. For more information, visit primatesinc.com.

Download press release here.

January 14, 2020 (Pawling, NY) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Verified status to Akindale Thoroughbred Rescue as of December 1, 2019.

Verification means that Akindale Thoroughbred Rescue meets the criteria of a true equine sanctuary/rescue and is providing humane and responsible care of the animals. To be awarded Verified status, an organization must meet GFAS’s rigorous and peer-reviewed animal care standards which are confirmed by a site visit and they must also adhere to a demanding set of ethical and operational principles. The Verification status also provides a clear and trusted means for the public, donors and grantors to recognize Akindale Thoroughbred Rescue as an exceptional organization.

“We are proud to announce the recent Verification of Akindale Thoroughbred Rescue”, said Daryl Tropea, Ph.D., GFAS Program Director-Equine. “Akindale’s team provides quality care for horses with a broad spectrum of needs. Whether it’s the need to provide a safe haven for senior sanctuary horses, or the need to provide expert rehabilitation care for a horse to move on to a home, they do it all. Education is a significant part of their mission with an emphasis on responsible horse ownership.”

“Although this beautiful farm is clearly designed to meet the needs of rescue and sanctuary horses, it is the dedication and compassion of the Akindale team that stands out the most.”

The GFAS Equine Accreditation Program is made possible by a generous grant from The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® and the Kenneth Scott Charitable Trust.

About Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries
Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization dedicated to the sole purpose of strengthening and supporting the work of animal sanctuaries, rescues, and rehabilitation centers worldwide. The goal of GFAS in working with and assisting these animal care facilities is to ensure they are supported, honored, recognized and rewarded for meeting important criteria in providing care to the animals in residence. GFAS was founded in 2007 by animal protection leaders from a number of different organizations in response to virtually unchecked and often hidden exploitation of animals for human entertainment and financial profit. The GFAS Board of Directors guides the organization’s work in a collaborative manner. While the board includes those in top leadership at The Humane Society of the United States, International Fund for Animal Welfare, and American Anti-Vivisection Society, all board members serve as individuals dedicated to animal sanctuaries. www.sanctuaryfederation.org.

About Akindale Thoroughbred Horses.
Akindale Thoroughbred Rescue is committed to the rescue, rehab and retraining of Thoroughbreds no longer able to race. ATBR is also dedicated to promoting awareness of the issue of equine slaughter. Akindale Thoroughbred Rescue is a 501(c)(3) private operating foundation.

Akindale is a nationally recognized name, synonymous with the cause. While in the past ATBR has made valuable contributions in saving many thoroughbreds, there are so many more still needing to be rescued.

In order to fulfill its mission of “providing a safe haven for thoroughbreds no longer able to race”, the ATBR has expanded its goals. Realizing that more horses need to be responsibly adopted to private owners, so more can be taken in, they are committed to training and more aggressive communication about the adoption program.

Download press release here.

January 10, 2020 (Bronson, FL) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Verified status to Southern Redhead Farms Rescue as of January 10, 2020.

Verification means that Southern Redhead Farms Rescue meets the criteria of a true equine sanctuary/rescue and is providing humane and responsible care of the animals. To be awarded Verified status, an organization must meet GFAS’s rigorous and peer-reviewed animal care standards which are confirmed by a site visit and they must also adhere to a demanding set of ethical and operational principles. The Verification status also provides a clear and trusted means for the public, donors and grantors to recognize Southern Redhead Farms Rescue as an exceptional organization.

“We are proud to announce the recent Verification of Southern Redhead Farms Rescue,” said Daryl Tropea Ph.D., GFAS Program Director-Equine. “Southern Redhead Farms not only provides rehabilitation and training services for horses but also is dedicated to helping horse owners struggling to provide the care their horses need. This early intervention ensures that horses are not abandoned or neglected, and every effort is made to ensure the horse can stay with their owner. If this cannot be accomplished, a new placement for the horse is sought.”

“The organization’s Founder, team and volunteers are committed and dedicated ensuring both responsible and humane equine care, and organizational growth and sustainability.”

Dr. Susan Spivey-O’Neal, Executive Director- Southern Redhead Farms Rescue stated, “The Verification of Southern Redhead Farms Rescue is important to us because it places a stamp of approval on the organization that we are maintaining to a level that meets or exceeds the accepted standards for rescue organizations.”

The GFAS Equine Accreditation Program is made possible by a generous grant from The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® and the Kenneth Scott Charitable Trust.

About Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries
Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization dedicated to the sole purpose of strengthening and supporting the work of animal sanctuaries, rescues, and rehabilitation centers worldwide. The goal of GFAS in working with and assisting these animal care facilities is to ensure they are supported, honored, recognized and rewarded for meeting important criteria in providing care to the animals in residence. GFAS was founded in 2007 by animal protection leaders from a number of different organizations in response to virtually unchecked and often hidden exploitation of animals for human entertainment and financial profit. The GFAS Board of Directors guides the organization’s work in a collaborative manner. While the board includes those in top leadership at The Humane Society of the United States, International Fund for Animal Welfare, and American Anti-Vivisection Society, all board members serve as individuals dedicated to animal sanctuaries. www.sanctuaryfederation.org.

About Southern Redhead Farms Rescue
Southern Redhead Farms Rescue a non-profit horse rescue located in Florida. We are dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming of abused horses. Taking care of a horse requires that the owner educate themselves on all aspects of animal well-being, including proper housing, nutrition, disease prevention and treatment, appropriate handling and, when necessary, humane euthanasia is required for responsible care. The issue is that many new horse owners do not have adequate knowledge of the proper care and this leaves horses at risk for malnutrition, neglect and abuse. Southern Redhead Farms Rescue will work with local organizations to identify horse owners to provide owner education or referrals to the correct source for assistance they may require. For more information visit, https://www.facebook.com/southernredheadfarmsrescue/

Download Verification press release here.

January 7, 2020 (Punta Gorda, FL) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Verified status to Little Bear Sanctuary as of December 20, 2019.

Verification means that Little Bear Sanctuary meets the criteria of a true farmed animal sanctuary and is providing humane and responsible care of the animals. To be awarded Verified status, an organization must meet GFAS’s rigorous and peer-reviewed animal care standards which are confirmed by a site visit and they must also adhere to a demanding set of ethical and operational principles. The Verification status also provides a clear and trusted means for the public, donors and grantors to recognize Little Bear Sanctuary as an exceptional organization.

“We are proud to announce the recent Verification of Little Bear Sanctuary, an organization dedicated to providing a permanent home for farm animals,” said Daryl Tropea, Ph.D., GFAS Program Director. “Little Bear Sanctuary’s team ensures the highest level of individualized care for each of their animals as well as educating the public regarding their special care needs. Also, Little Bear Sanctuary’s dedication to humane education is the mark of an organization that truly wants to make a difference in the lives of animals that have been subjected to abuse and neglect. Their large open habitats, ponds and green vegetation provide an environment for these animals to simply be the animals they were born to be.”

“Verification with GFAS is important to us for many reasons; Global recognition of achievement, select grant opportunities, and collaboration with other GFAS sanctuaries, to name a few,” stated Christopher Vane, President of Little Bear Sanctuary. “We’re so proud to achieve this wonderful verification and look forward to a future certification in order to continue our achievement of excellence within the farm sanctuary community.”

About Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries
Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization dedicated to the sole purpose of strengthening and supporting the work of animal sanctuaries, rescues, and rehabilitation centers worldwide. The goal of GFAS in working with and assisting these animal care facilities is to ensure they are supported, honored, recognized and rewarded for meeting important criteria in providing care to the animals in residence. GFAS was founded in 2007 by animal protection leaders from a number of different organizations in response to virtually unchecked and often hidden exploitation of animals for human entertainment and financial profit. The GFAS Board of Directors guides the organization’s work in a collaborative manner. While the board includes those in top leadership at The Humane Society of the United States, International Fund for Animal Welfare, and American Anti-Vivisection Society, all board members serve as individuals dedicated to animal sanctuaries. www.sanctuaryfederation.org.

About Little Bear Sanctuary
Little Bear Sanctuary is a 501(c)(3) registered nonprofit providing a permanent home for farm animals that have been abandoned or can no longer be cared for by the owner in order to allow them to live out the remainder of their lives in a cruelty free environment. We are committed not only to a vegan lifestyle but the much needed education of pigs as pets. For more information, visit www.littlebearsanctuary.org.

Download press release here.

December 27, 2019 (Owings, MD) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Verified status to Freedom Hill Horse Rescue as of December 20, 2019.

Verification means that Freedom Hill Horse Rescue meets the criteria of a true equine sanctuary/rescue and is providing humane and responsible care of the animals. To be awarded Verified status, an organization must meet GFAS’s rigorous and peer-reviewed animal care standards which are confirmed by a site visit and they must also adhere to a demanding set of ethical and operational principles. The Verification status also provides a clear and trusted means for the public, donors and grantors to recognize Freedom Hill Horse Rescue as an exceptional organization.

“We are proud to announce the recent Verification of Freedom Hill Horse Rescue,” said Daryl Tropea Ph.D., GFAS Program Director-Equine. “Freedom Hill conducts outstanding rehabilitation, retraining, and successful re-homing programs, all to the benefit of the horses.  The organization’s Board Members, and volunteers are tremendously dedicated and involved in a hands-on way, ensuring both responsible and humane equine care and organizational growth and sustainability.”

“For 15 years, Freedom Hill Horse Rescue has maintained the absolute best care possible of all the horses that come to us, shared our equine knowledge with our volunteers and the public in the hope that quality care is given to all horses, and has always exhibited transparency of our operations,” said Lori Harrington, President of Freedom Hill Horse Rescue. “To be recognized and verified by such an esteemed organization as The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries on our 15 year anniversary, is a dream come true. It is truly an honor to join a group of organizations that share our commitment to the high standards of equine care, our goal to provide a safe and happy environment for them and our true love of helping horses and people.”

The GFAS Equine Accreditation Program is made possible by a generous grant from The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® and the Kenneth Scott Charitable Trust.

About Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries
Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization dedicated to the sole purpose of strengthening and supporting the work of animal sanctuaries, rescues, and rehabilitation centers worldwide. The goal of GFAS in working with and assisting these animal care facilities is to ensure they are supported, honored, recognized and rewarded for meeting important criteria in providing care to the animals in residence. GFAS was founded in 2007 by animal protection leaders from a number of different organizations in response to virtually unchecked and often hidden exploitation of animals for human entertainment and financial profit. The GFAS Board of Directors guides the organization’s work in a collaborative manner. While the board includes those in top leadership at The Humane Society of the United States, International Fund for Animal Welfare, and American Anti-Vivisection Society, all board members serve as individuals dedicated to animal sanctuaries. www.sanctuaryfederation.org.

About Freedom Hill Horse Rescue
Freedom Hill Horse Rescue is a public non-profit 501(c)(3) organization committed to saving neglected, abused and unwanted horses that are typically difficult to adopt. These horses are often older, sustained injuries, or developed chronic disease. Because most cannot be ridden or medical treatment is beyond the reach of many people, these gentle souls often find themselves at auction or on a trailer to the slaughterhouse. It doesn’t have to be this way.

Older, injured, and well-managed horses still have a lot of love to give and deserve to live a life with dignity and compassion. These horses, after rehabilitation and healing, often become amazing healers themselves to the people they encounter.  For more information, visit www.freedomhillhorserescue.com.

Download Verification press release here.

December 26, 2019 (Falcon, MO) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Accredited status to Dreamchaser PMU Rescue & Rehabilitation as of December 16, 2019.

Accreditation signifies that Dreamchaser PMU Rescue & Rehabilitation meets GFAS’s rigorous and peer-reviewed equine care standards which are confirmed by a comprehensive site visit. Accreditation also signifies adherence to standards addressing the sustainability of the organization, ethical principles, finances, staffing, education outreach, security and safety and other operational aspects.

“We are proud to announce the transition from Verified to Accredited status of Dreamchaser PMU Rescue & Rehabilitation,” said Valerie Taylor, GFAS Executive Director. “Over the past three years, the rescue’s Founder and personnel have worked diligently toward creating greater organizational sustainability, from increasing operating reserves to formalizing business procedures, all while continuing to provide the highest standard of day-to-day care for the animals they serve.  Due to this effort, Dreamchaser has paved a way for the rescue to increase capacity and thrive long into the future.”

The GFAS Equine Accreditation Program is made possible by a generous grant from The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® and the Kenneth Scott Charitable Trust.

About Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries
Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization dedicated to the sole purpose of strengthening and supporting the work of animal sanctuaries, rescues, and rehabilitation centers worldwide. The goal of GFAS in working with and assisting these animal care facilities is to ensure they are supported, honored, recognized and rewarded for meeting important criteria in providing care to the animals in residence. GFAS was founded in 2007 by animal protection leaders from a number of different organizations in response to virtually unchecked and often hidden exploitation of animals for human entertainment and financial profit. The GFAS Board of Directors guides the organization’s work in a collaborative manner. While the board includes those in top leadership at The Humane Society of the United States, International Fund for Animal Welfare, and American Anti-Vivisection Society, all board members serve as individuals dedicated to animal sanctuaries. www.sanctuaryfederation.org.

About Dreamchaser PMU Rescue & Rehabilitation

Dreamchaser PMU Rescue & Rehabilitation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that rescues horses, foals and other farm animals from abuse, abandonment, and slaughter. Our goal is to rehabilitate and find new homes for as many rescued animals as possible, however, we do provide sanctuary for those animals that are too mentally or physically traumatized to ever be adopted. We educate the general public through our website and social media, as well as through those who visit our rescue personally. For more information, visit https://www.dreamchaserhorserescue.org/

Download press release here.

December 17, 2019 (Elkhart Lake, WI) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Accredited status to Amazing Grace Equine Sanctuary as of December 3, 2019.

Accreditation signifies that Amazing Grace Equine Sanctuary meets GFAS’s rigorous and peer-reviewed equine care standards which are confirmed by a comprehensive site visit. Accreditation also signifies adherence to standards addressing the sustainability of the organization, ethical principles, finances, staffing, education outreach, security and safety and other operational aspects.

“We are proud to announce the transition from Verified to Accredited status of Amazing Grace Equine Sanctuary,” said Valerie Taylor, GFAS Executive Director. “The facility improvements and progress toward greater organizational sustainability this group had made since the time of their original Verification with GFAS is truly inspiring.  The sanctuary’s Founders, Board Members, personnel, and volunteers have worked so hard providing outstanding day-to-day care for the horses while also focusing on growth and capacity building initiatives, such as increasing the number of adoptions performed, all to the benefit of the animals they serve now and into the future.”

The GFAS Equine Accreditation Program is made possible by a generous grant from The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® and the Kenneth Scott Charitable Trust.

About Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries
Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization dedicated to the sole purpose of strengthening and supporting the work of animal sanctuaries, rescues, and rehabilitation centers worldwide. The goal of GFAS in working with and assisting these animal care facilities is to ensure they are supported, honored, recognized and rewarded for meeting important criteria in providing care to the animals in residence. GFAS was founded in 2007 by animal protection leaders from a number of different organizations in response to virtually unchecked and often hidden exploitation of animals for human entertainment and financial profit. The GFAS Board of Directors guides the organization’s work in a collaborative manner. While the board includes those in top leadership at The Humane Society of the United States, International Fund for Animal Welfare, and American Anti-Vivisection Society, all board members serve as individuals dedicated to animal sanctuaries. www.sanctuaryfederation.org.

About Amazing Grace Equine Sanctuary
The mission of Amazing Grace Equine Sanctuary is to offer a safe haven for unwanted, abused, or neglected horses: shelter, nutrition, vet and farrier care, and most importantly – unconditional love and attention. Once overall health, well-being and soundness of a horse is accomplished, they are assessed for possible placement and adoption to a qualified owner.  Since the sanctuary’s inception 10 years ago, they have helped hundreds of equines, finding permanent, adoptive homes for over 85% of those animals which have come in, and permanent sanctuary care on-site for all others.  For more information, visit https://www.rescuehorses.org/

Download press release here.