Author: Robin Mason, GFAS

The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Verified status to Henry’s Home Horse and Human Sanctuary as of July 17, 2018.

Verification means that Henry’s Home Horse and Human Sanctuary 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 Henry’s Home Horse and Human Sanctuary as an exceptional organization.

“We are proud to announce the recent Verification of Henry’s Home,” said Valerie Taylor, GFAS Program Director-Equine. “The perseverance, determination, and hard work put forth by the sanctuary’s Board, volunteers, and community members in establishing this facility and its programs according to industry best-practices has been astounding.  This organization has truly created a haven wherein both animals and humans can heal.”

“Henry’s Home has worked hard for the last few years to build out the property we were donated, grow in our knowledge about how to care for our beloved four-footed family members, network within our community to spread the word of our work, and complete the requirements for a healthy and growing non-profit,” said Donna Stedman, Founder and Executive Director.  “Adding Verification from the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries has been one of our goals for the past year and we are thrilled to finally achieve this important recognition.  We are so grateful for the guidance and support GFAS is giving us.  We now consider them one of our valued mentors as we take it to the next step of Accreditation over the next year.”

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 Henry’s Home Horse and Human Sanctuary
Henry’s Home Horse and Human Sanctuary takes in rescued and donated horses, and other farm animals, and gives them a forever home and meaningful work in our Horses & Heroes Equine Program which offers EAGALA

psychotherapy for our local veterans and first responders and their families, always at no cost to them.  This 501c3 non-profit is run entirely by volunteers and is supported primarily by the local community through donations from other non-profits, corporations, individuals and grants.  For more information, visit http://henryshomehorsesanctuary.org/ .

About the ASPCA®
Founded in 1866, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) is the first humane organization established in the Americas and serves as the nation’s leading voice for animal welfare. One million supporters strong, the ASPCA’s mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, the ASPCA is a national leader in the areas of anti-cruelty, community outreach and animal health services. The ASPCA, which is headquartered in New York City, offers a wide range of programs, including a mobile clinic outreach initiative, its own humane law enforcement team, and a groundbreaking veterinary forensics team and mobile animal CSI unit. For more information, please visit www.aspca.org. To become a fan of the ASPCA on Facebook, go to http://www.facebook.com/aspca. To follow the ASPCA on Twitter, go to http://www.twitter.com/aspca.

Download press release here.

May 8, 2018 (Monroe, WA) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Accredited status to Pasado’s Safe Haven as of May 7, 2018.

Accreditation signifies that Pasado’s Safe Haven meets GFAS’s rigorous and peer-reviewed farm 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 Accreditation of Pasado’s Safe Haven,” said Valerie Taylor, GFAS Program Director. “The staff and volunteers pay a great deal of attention to the individualized care of the animals residing at the sanctuary.  This, coupled with the sanctuary’s modern and innovative physical facilities, and ideal business practices, positions Pasado’s Safe Haven as a stand-out model for other animal rescue and sanctuary groups to aspire to.”

“We are honored to be the first farm sanctuary facility in the Pacific Northwest to be receiving Accreditation from GFAS,” said Laura Henderson, Executive Director of Pasado’s Safe Haven. “We have a dedicated and uniquely trained team of staff and volunteers that believe in providing the highest level of care for the farm animals that are rescued from cruelty and neglect and come through our sanctuary gates to heal.”

“We give careful consideration to the individual needs of each animal that spends time at our sanctuary, and continually look for ways to exceed all expectations, from our facilities to medical care to spreading compassion,” said Stephanie Perciful, Sanctuary Director of Pasado’s Safe Haven. “We want to be a resource and provide inspiration to other rescue organizations so that more animals can be saved.”

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 Pasado’s Safe Haven
Pasado’s Safe Haven has a uniquely comprehensive approach to ending animal cruelty. In addition to investigating animal cruelty crimes and providing sanctuary and rehabilitation to animals who have suffered from abuse and neglect, we also advocate for better laws to protect animals and work to educate the public about how they can help end animal cruelty. For more information, visit http://www.pasadosafehaven.org/ or call 360-793-9393.

Download press release here.

April 5, 2018, (East Greenbush, NY) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Verified status to ReRun, Inc. as of April 5, 2018.

Verification means that ReRun, Inc. 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 ReRun, Inc. as an exceptional organization.

“We are proud to announce the recent Verification of ReRun, Inc.,” said Valerie Taylor, GFAS Program Director-Equine. “ReRun is a pioneer in the movement to create an ever-increasing awareness of what Thoroughbred horses can do once their racing days are over. Due to the exemplary rehabilitation, retraining and rehoming services offered by ReRun, hundreds of ex-racehorses have, and will continue to, find second careers.”

“ReRun, Inc., one of the oldest Thoroughbred adoption programs in the country and the largest in NY is thrilled to become Verified by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries. A goal we as an organization have been seeking to attain, this week’s announcement further lends credibility in addition to increasing donor and adopter confidence in the program.,” said Lisa Molloy, Executive Director of ReRun, Inc.

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 ReRun, Inc.
ReRun Inc. is a renowned, pioneering organization specializing in Thoroughbred rescue and adoption and one of the oldest in the nation, having been founded in 1996. Its mission ever since has been to retrain, reschool, and rehabilitate ex-racehorses and to find them loving homes and second careers. The focus has been largely on horses coming directly off the track, primarily those retiring from New York tracks, annually assisting over 100 horses.  ReRun operates the premier facility in the state, a state-of-the-art facility with extensive rehab capabilities – taking in and adopting out more horses in New York than any other charity. Ideally located in the Capital Region, ReRun has a capacity for 45 horses. It partners with New York Thoroughbred Development Fund, the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s’ Association, and the New York Thoroughbred Breeders. For more information, visit https://www.rerunottb.com/ .

About the ASPCA®
Founded in 1866, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) is the first humane organization established in the Americas and serves as the nation’s leading voice for animal welfare. One million supporters strong, the ASPCA’s mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, the ASPCA is a national leader in the areas of anti-cruelty, community outreach and animal health services. The ASPCA, which is headquartered in New York City, offers a wide range of programs, including a mobile clinic outreach initiative, its own humane law enforcement team, and a groundbreaking veterinary forensics team and mobile animal CSI unit. For more information, please visit www.aspca.org. To become a fan of the ASPCA on Facebook, go to http://www.facebook.com/aspca. To follow the ASPCA on Twitter, go to http://www.twitter.com/aspca.

Download press release here.

February 14, 2018, (Washington DC) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Accredited status to Project Chimps as of February 1, 2018. Project Chimps is the newest chimpanzee sanctuary in the United States and provides lifelong care to former research chimpanzees at a forested, 236-acre sanctuary in north Georgia.

Achieving GFAS Accreditation means that Project Chimps meets the criteria of a true sanctuary and is providing humane and responsible care of the animals. To be awarded Accreditation status, an organization must meet GFAS’s rigorous and peer-reviewed animal care standards and also adhere to a demanding set of ethical and operational principles. The accreditation status provides a clear and trusted means for the public, donors and grantors to recognize Project Chimps as an exceptional sanctuary.

“We are proud to announce the recent Accreditation of Project Chimps” said Jeanne Marie Pittman, GFAS Program Director for North, South and Central America. “This is a truly amazing facility with a highly experienced and dedicated staff” says Pittman, “and it is wonderful to seeing chimpanzees retired from research enjoying the life they truly deserve”.

Project Chimps purchased a former gorilla sanctuary near Blue Ridge, Georgia, in 2015. The facility currently includes several great ape housing “villas,” a state-of-the-art veterinary clinic, a kitchen made possible by Rachael Ray, a six-acre outdoor habitat, and a large chimp-introduction building where chimpanzee groups will be integrated and socialized. To date, 31 chimps have been transferred to their permanent home in the sanctuary. Approximately 20 additional chimps are expected to join them in the first half of 2018. The organization is raising private funds to expand the sanctuary in the coming years to eventually care for more than 200 former research chimpanzees.

“Project Chimps welcomes third-party inspection and oversight, and we are grateful to GFAS for their thorough review of our policies, practices, and facilities. The accreditation process will facilitate our efforts to continually assess and improve our operations and management,” said Ali Crumpacker, executive director of Project Chimps.

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 Project Chimps

Project Chimps was founded in 2014 to provide lifetime care to former research chimpanzees at its sanctuary on 236-acres of forested land in north Georgia. In 2015, Project Chimps reached an agreement with the biomedical research laboratory that has the largest population of privately-owned chimpanzees in the United States in order to bring more than 200 chimpanzees to Project Chimps’ sanctuary. Project Chimps is privately funded and in the process of transferring these intelligent and sentient beings from the lab to their new homes, where they will spend the remainder of their lives. http://www.projectchimps.org/

Download press release here.

January 31, 2018, (Eureka Springs, AR) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Accredited status to Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge (TCWR) as of December 26, 2017.

Achieving GFAS Accreditation means that TCWR meets the criteria of a true sanctuary and is providing humane and responsible care of the animals. To be awarded Accreditation status, an organization must meet GFAS’s rigorous and peer-reviewed animal care standards and also adhere to a demanding set of ethical and operational principles. The accreditation status provides a clear and trusted means for the public, donors and grantors to recognize TCWR as an exceptional sanctuary.

“We are proud to announce the recent Accreditation of Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge” said Jeanne Marie Pittman, GFAS Program Director for North, South and Central America. “The commitment and dedication of Turpentine Creek’s staff and management is truly inspiring.” TCWR provides life-time care for over 100 previous mistreated or unwanted animals, including lions, tigers, bears, pumas, leopards and numerous small cats. “Going through the accreditation process with GFAS has helped our organization to be recognized as a true sanctuary that is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of animal care and safety,” says Tanya Smith, the Executive Director of TCWR. “We are excited to bring attention to the growing issues of big cats in captivity and private ownership.”

TCWR is dedicated to not only saving the lives of big cats and other exotic animals in need but also helping to educate the public about the plight of big cats in captivity. Throughout their 25-year history, they have saved the lives of over 500 animals. Rescues have ranged from single animal rescues to large rehoming projects where over 115 animals were relocated to 15 sanctuaries throughout the U.S. with TCWR heading up the project. Beyond performing rescues and caring for the animals that call the refuge home, TCWR also dedicates themselves to helping to educate the next generation of animal keepers with their post-graduate biannual internship program. Over 400 interns have passed through the program and are now Zookeepers and veterinarians all over the globe.

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 Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge
Founded in 1992, Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization operating one of America’s largest big cat sanctuaries. Turpentine Creek does not buy, sell, trade, or breed our animals. They are a hands off facility and do not allow contact with the animals in their care. They are accredited with the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries, a member of the American Association of Zoo Keepers, a member of Tigers in America, USDA Licensed and Arkansas Game and Fish Licensed.

Their Mission is to provide lifetime refuge for abandoned, abused, and neglected “Big Cats” with emphasis on Tigers, Lions, Leopards, and Cougars.

Additional Information Sources & Photos

http://www.TurpentineCreek.org

https://www.facebook.com/TurpentineCreekWildlifeRefuge/photos_stream

Download press release here.

January 5, 2018 (McCoy, CO) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Accredited status to Mountain Valley Horse Rescue as of January 2, 2018.

Accreditation signifies that Mountain Valley Horse Rescue 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 Mountain Valley Horse Rescue,” said Valerie Taylor, GFAS Program Director-Equine. “The progress this group had made since the time of their original Verification with GFAS is truly inspiring.  Much work went into obtaining funding for the recent purchase of their new property, while still providing excellent day-to-day care for the horses.  This myriad of improvements has ensured MVHR’s services will continue to help horses-in-need.”

“The GFAS Accreditation process was an outstanding exercise for MVHR to participate in,” said Shana Devins, Executive Director of Mountain Valley Horse Rescue. “Our growth and expansion over the last few years made this process a perfect next step, allowing us to carefully consider all aspects of our rescue, and ensure our sustainability for the long term for the animals we serve.”

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 Mountain Valley Horse Rescue
Mountain Valley Horse Rescue rehabilitates abused, neglected, abandoned and unwanted horses with the hopes of finding them all loving adoptive homes.  For those difficult​ to adopt, we offer a limited number of sanctuary opportunities at our 115-acre ranch in McCoy, Colorado.  MVHR prides itself on caring for each equine that comes into our care as an individual, investing in their health, care, and training to find them safety and security for the rest of their lives.  MVHR also works to introduce people to horses and grow the community of horse advocates through a wide (and growing) variety of programming for people with the rescue horses. For more information, visit https://www.mountainvalleyhorserescue.com/ or call 970-376-1743.

About the ASPCA®
Founded in 1866, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) is the first humane organization established in the Americas and serves as the nation’s leading voice for animal welfare. One million supporters strong, the ASPCA’s mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, the ASPCA is a national leader in the areas of anti-cruelty, community outreach and animal health services. The ASPCA, which is headquartered in New York City, offers a wide range of programs, including a mobile clinic outreach initiative, its own humane law enforcement team, and a groundbreaking veterinary forensics team and mobile animal CSI unit. For more information, please visit www.aspca.org. To become a fan of the ASPCA on Facebook, go to http://www.facebook.com/aspca. To follow the ASPCA on Twitter, go to http://www.twitter.com/aspca.

December 22, 2017, (Meriden, KS) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Verified status to Freeman Arabian Ranch & Rescue as of December 21, 2017.

Verification means that Freeman Arabian Ranch & 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 Freeman Arabian Ranch & Rescue as an exceptional organization.

“We are proud to announce the recent Verification of Freeman Arabian Ranch & Rescue,” said Valerie Taylor, GFAS Program Director-Equine. “The commitment of the group’s founders, Board, and volunteers, to providing exceptional sanctuary care to horses and their promotion of safety net programs for equines and owners within the community, provides great benefit to the animals residing in their care and beyond.”

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 Freeman Arabian Ranch & Rescue
Freeman Arabian Ranch & Rescue is a primarily self-funded, 100% volunteer and donation based, 501c3 non-profit forever animal rescue/sanctuary located on thirty-nine acres north of Topeka, Kansas. Those who come into our care become permanent members of our rescue family and live out their lives with us never knowing hunger, neglect, cruelty, fear or abandonment ever again. We offer community assistance and also transport, foster and collaborate with other rescues as well as advocate for new and improved animal protection legislation as a way of improving the lives of more animals than we can possibly provide lifetime care for ourselves.  For more information, visit http://www.freemanarabianranch.com/  or call 785-250-4314.

About the ASPCA®
Founded in 1866, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) is the first humane organization established in the Americas and serves as the nation’s leading voice for animal welfare. One million supporters strong, the ASPCA’s mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, the ASPCA is a national leader in the areas of anti-cruelty, community outreach and animal health services. The ASPCA, which is headquartered in New York City, offers a wide range of programs, including a mobile clinic outreach initiative, its own humane law enforcement team, and a groundbreaking veterinary forensics team and mobile animal CSI unit. For more information, please visit www.aspca.org. To become a fan of the ASPCA on Facebook, go to http://www.facebook.com/aspca. To follow the ASPCA on Twitter, go to http://www.twitter.com/aspca.

Download press release here.

December 6, 2017, (Riverview, FL) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Verified status to RVR Horse Rescue as of November 27, 2017.

Verification means that RVR 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 RVR Horse Rescue as an exceptional organization.

“We are proud to announce the Verification of RVR Horse Rescue,” said Valerie Taylor, GFAS Program Director-Equine. “The dedication of this organization to the rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming of equines-in-need in Florida is tremendously commendable, especially as all their work is carried out solely by an all-volunteer personnel base. In addition, the work being done by RVR to bring educational opportunities regarding equine issues to the community is helping to increase awareness of equine needs.”

“We are honored to earn our verification status from such an amazing organization,” said Shawn Jayroe, Executive Director of RVR Horse Rescue. “We are extremely proud of our volunteers and community supporters, and the countless hours of preparation they put into making this possible.”

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 RVR Horse Rescue
RVR Horse Rescue is an all-volunteer organization that provides rescue, rehabilitation and re-homing to horses and donkeys in need.  From its beginning as a rescue serving the Tampa Bay area, RVR is now recognized and called upon by law enforcement agencies and other rescues throughout the state of Florida. RVR has earned a reputation for stepping in when no one else can. RVR’s medical partners and volunteers have the dedication and expertise to handle the worst cases of starvation, injury and abuse. RVR functions as a hospital, with the ability to provide 24-hour critical care when necessary. RVR recognizes that it is not only abused horses that need a second chance. In 2016, RVR became accredited by the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, and we now use our expertise to rehabilitate injured racehorses, providing them a quality post-racing life. To diminish the number of horses needing rescue, RVR provides support to horse owners in the form of gelding (neuter) vouchers as well as feed and hay support in times of need. Adoption into a loving home is RVR’s goal for every equine that enters our gates. 176 horses have found homes since 2011. There are no deadlines or expiration dates for horses whose adoptability has been lessened by age, health issues, or emotional challenges. RVR will continue to provide them with food, shelter and medical care, along with a hefty dose of loving attention from volunteers. RVR is committed to the enrichment of the Tampa Bay community through our love of horses. We offer educational programs for children, visiting schools and senior communities and hosting events at the rescue for Scout troops and other groups. We currently have three miniature horses training for certification as therapy animals so we can expand our presence to hospitals and nursing homes. We are keenly aware that by fostering engagement between humans and horses, we will simultaneously spread joy and knowledge, and increase awareness of equine needs. For more information, visit http://rvrhorserescue.org/ or call 813-280-9299.

About the ASPCA®
Founded in 1866, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) is the first humane organization established in the Americas and serves as the nation’s leading voice for animal welfare. One million supporters strong, the ASPCA’s mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, the ASPCA is a national leader in the areas of anti-cruelty, community outreach and animal health services. The ASPCA, which is headquartered in New York City, offers a wide range of programs, including a mobile clinic outreach initiative, its own humane law enforcement team, and a groundbreaking veterinary forensics team and mobile animal CSI unit. For more information, please visit www.aspca.org. To become a fan of the ASPCA on Facebook, go to http://www.facebook.com/aspca. To follow the ASPCA on Twitter, go to http://www.twitter.com/aspca.

Download press release here.