Author: Robin Mason, GFAS

February 10, 2023 (Plettenberg Bay, Western Cape, South Africa) – Driven by their passion to make a difference in the world of equine welfare in South Africa, the Karoo Donkey Sanctuary (KDS) transforms itself into a bonafide equine sanctuary and becomes Africa’s first equine sanctuary to be certified by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries.

The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Verified status to the Karoo Donkey Sanctuary as of January 31, 2023.

Certification means that KDS has met the criteria of a true animal sanctuary/rescue and is providing humane and responsible care of all the animals in their care. To become certified, an organization must meet GFAS’s rigorous and peer-reviewed animal care standards which are confirmed by a site visit. They must also adhere to a demanding set of ethical and operational principles. The Certification status also provides a clear and trusted means for the public and donors to recognize the Karoo Donkey Sanctuary as an exceptional animal rescue organization.

“We are proud to announce the recent Verification of the Karoo Donkey Sanctuary, in South Africa.”, said Traci Hanson, GFAS Program Director-Equine. “KDS is doing remarkable rescue and rehabilitation work at their sanctuary in South Africa, but they are also making a huge impact in the trenches of donkey rescue elsewhere in Africa. They have succeeded in exposing the gruesome donkey skins trade to China, in ensuring the closure of Africa’s largest donkey slaughterhouse, and in helping the government to impose a ban on the trade in Tanzania, one of the former donkey skins trade hubs.”

To date the Karoo Donkey Sanctuary has provided a safe haven to over 300 donkeys and 50+ rescued horses including veterinary care, balanced nutritional diets, ample space to roam, and the freedom to live out the rest of their lives in peace and sanctuary. Not only is KDS a forever home for donkeys and horses, but the sanctuary is also an oasis to twelve other species of rescued farm animals including cows, pigs, goats, sheep, chickens, ducks, peacocks, turkeys and geese. The sanctuary also has a small wildlife protection division that cares for seven ostriches and a zebra.

“With sheer grit and determination, my life’s mission to create a place of true shelter and sanctuary for countless previously abused and persecuted African donkeys and horses has become a magical reality and I am honored to be able to give back a small portion of what they have given me – unconditional love and spiritual enlightenment”, states Jonno Sherwin, Founder & Executive Director of Karoo Donkey Sanctuary. ”The GFAS certification process helped us to formalize our operating practices and procedures, and this certification will help prospective new donors to have greater faith in the legitimacy of our work and of our greater mission.”

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 Karoo Donkey Sanctuary

The Karoo Donkey Sanctuary provides a lifetime of love and care for previously abused and persecuted donkeys and horses. We are honored to care for these beautiful animals each and every day, and to provide them with a safe, loving and caring home. The Karoo Donkey Sanctuary is located in Plettenberg Bay, along South Africa’s beautiful Garden Route.

The Karoo Donkey Sanctuary is a registered NPO (Non-Profit Organization), as well as a registered PBO (Public Benefit Organization) and was founded by animal activist Jonno Sherwin.

The Karoo Donkey Sanctuary is governed by a compassionate group of individuals who are dedicated to their mission and efforts. To learn more about Karoo Donkey Sanctuary, go to: http://karoodonkey.org/

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December 5, 2022 (Laupahoehoe, HI) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Accredited status to Magical Creatures Sanctuary as of November 16, 2022.

Accreditation signifies that Magical Creatures Sanctuary meets GFAS’ 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. The Accreditation status also provides a clear and trusted means for the public, donors, and grantors to recognize Magical Creatures Sanctuary as an exceptional organization.

“We are delighted to announce the Accreditation of Magical Creatures Sanctuary” said Jessica Harris, MS, GFAS Farmed Animal Program Director. “Their dedication to the residents, many of whom have special needs, is nothing short of, well, magical! As the only multi-species, nonprofit farm sanctuary operating on the Big Island, they provide a soft landing for farmed animals who would have nowhere else to turn. They have stepped up to this role with a strong philosophy of compassion – carried out in their professionalism, intern and volunteer opportunities, and powerful education work. They embody what it means to be a true sanctuary- it’s not magic – just daily dedication to excellence in all they do, for the animals’ sake.”

“Magical Creatures Sanctuary rescues, rehabilitates, and offers life-long sanctuary to animals on the Big Island of Hawaii while serving the local community with programs that promote kindness, compassion, and stewardship” states John Hubers, Managing Director at Magical Creatures.

He continues, “We are grateful for the opportunities to share the stories of our residents at Magical Creatures. We want to stop the cycle of farmed animal abuse by educating our communities and advocating for the animals every chance we get. We recruit and train local volunteers to engage with the Sanctuary’s residents and to get to know them as individuals over an extended period of time. We offer public and private tours to provide a more condensed introduction to our work and our mission.

We are very proud to have achieved GFAS Accreditation. While the process is rigorous and challenging, we greatly valued the opportunity to improve our policies and procedures and to discover new ways in which to care for our residents more thoroughly. This highly respected endorsement will let the world know that we are legitimate, professional, and fully committed to our work.”

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 Magical Creatures Sanctuary
Magical Creatures is a nonprofit farmed animal rescue and sanctuary located on Hawaii’s Big Island. Since 2018, their mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and offer lifelong sanctuary to over 90 animals on the Big Island while serving the Hawaiian community with programs that promote kindness, compassion, and stewardship. The sanctuary is entirely volunteer run with an extraordinarily dedicated team. They are helping stop the cycle of farmed animal abuse by educating others and advocating for animals every chance they get.

To learn more visit https://www.magicalcreaturessanctuary.org/

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December 1, 2022 (Shawnee, KS) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Verified status to Horses & Heroes on November 16, 2022.

Verification means that Horses & Heroes 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 Horses & Heroes as an exceptional organization.

“We are proud to announce the recent Verification of Horses & Heroes,” said Daryl Tropea, Ph.D., GFAS Program Director-Equine. “Horses & Heroes’ herd of amazing equines helps people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Many of these equines have their own traumatic histories. The wellbeing of each equine during therapy is given the highest priority. Equines are not ridden but participate in ground exercises with people. In addition to providing excellent care, this organization is committed to management best practices ensuring organizational growth and sustainability.”

“GFAS is an important accountability partner for H&H,” said Julie Baker, Founder and Executive Director of Horses & Heroes Inc. “The required accreditation SOP’s have pushed H&H into a higher level of accountability and being prepared. The site visit, although not like a “white-glove” inspection of the Marine Corps barracks, was thorough and required intentional planning of safety measures, signage, and OSHA documentation.”

Baker continued, “The team of therapy horses at H&H have either been rescued from the slaughter pipeline or they were discarded by previous owners because of a physical injury or limitation(s). Several horses that have come to us have been starved, emotionally or physically abused, abandoned, or neglected. The path to healing for these horses required emotional and physical safety, time, and mutual respect. This healing process is vital and similar to the healing process for our human clients. Interestingly, clients connect with a horse that has a similar history, although we do not share the stories of the horses upfront; it is really beautiful to witness the mutual connection and healing of both horse and human. GFAS ensures we provide safe, consistent, and intentional husbandry and business practices and we are honored to be one of their newly accredited 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 Horses & Heroes™
H&H is Kansas City’s premier equine-assisted mental and alternative health therapy program for the military, first responders and their families. Founded in 2015, H&H is one of more than 600 certified Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association programs (EAGALA) globally.  H&H decided to become certified through EAGALA because of their long track record of being the gold-standard for EAP modalities governed by a code of ethics.

The founding principles of H&H are Integrity, Trust and Healing. Each of these principles, when connected, provides the vital environment necessary for those affected by significant and life-altering trauma. H&H strives to connect with organizations that also support principles of code of ethics, transparency, accountability and preparedness.

For more information, please visit https://www.horsesandheroes.org/

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October 31, 2022 (Clay, NY) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Accredited status to Sunshine Horses as of October 18, 2022.

Accreditation signifies that Sunshine Horses 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. The Accreditation status also provides a clear and trusted means for the public, donors, and grantors to recognize Sunshine Horses as an exceptional organization.

“We are very proud to announce the transition from Verified to Accredited status for Sunshine Horses Inc.,” said Daryl Tropea, Ph.D., GFAS Program Director-Equine. “With GFAS Verification achieved in 2019, this organization became completely committed to achieve GFAS Accreditation and they have succeeded. While their primary focus is to provide aftercare for retired Standardbred racehorses, they help all horses in need. Over 150 dedicated volunteers are responsible for the provision of the highest quality care for these equines, preparing them for new and lasting homes. This volunteer team is clearly devoted not only to best practices of equine care but also governance and management best practices, ensuring a lasting and successful animal welfare organization.”

“There are no words to describe how proud and ecstatic the members of Sunshine Horses, Inc. are to have achieved accreditation status with Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries,” said Mary Minkoff, Director of Operations, Quality Assurance and Safety, and Member of the Board of Directors. “Our organization, with its 100% Volunteer membership, comprises a village of team players who have worked hard to accomplish this goal.  Our journey began in 2018 with Verification.  GFAS helped us to achieve this level, providing us with the groundwork and guidelines to develop our structure.  Our policies and procedures for equine care were based on GFAS’ Gold Standards. We are grateful for the support we received from GFAS through the years.  They helped our organization achieve a standard of excellence and elevated us to a level of professionalism for our herd and their home. As we grow, we will continue to look to Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries for their guidance to further develop our programs both within the organization and the community.”

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 Sunshine Horses Inc.
Sunshine Horses, Inc. is an independent adoption agency committed to rescuing, rehabilitating, retraining, and rehoming horses, while enriching the lives of people and offering opportunities for personal growth. Sunshine Horses Inc’s motto is helping horses, helping people. The problem that our organization helps to address is the aftercare of the standardbred racehorse. The aftercare of the standardbred racehorse has not been given the attention it deserves and there are many racetracks in Upstate New York. Sunshine Horses takes in horses directly off the racetrack, occasionally from slaughter or kill pens or auctions, or from people that can no longer care for their horses. Sunshine Horses takes these horses in, rehabilitates them, evaluates them, treats them, heals them if needed, and retrains them with the ultimate goal of rehoming them and finding them forever homes. For more information, please visit at Sunshine Horses

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October 27, 2022 (San Antonio, TX) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Accredited status to Primarily Primates Inc. as of Oct. 18, 2022.

Accreditation means that Primarily Primates Inc. meets the criteria of a true animal sanctuary and is providing humane and responsible care of the animals. To be awarded Accredited 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. Accreditation status also provides a clear and trusted means for the public, donors and grantors to recognize Primarily Primates Inc. as an exceptional organization.

“We are proud to announce the recent Accreditation of Primarily Primates Inc., a sanctuary providing high-quality, compassionate care to chimpanzees, baboons, Old and New World monkeys, and a variety of other animals,” said Kristin Leppert, GFAS Program Director-Wildlife. “With new leadership and increased care staff, the sanctuary is moving forward with renewed direction. Primarily Primates has worked tirelessly on revamping their infrastructure through thorough winterization preparations, expanded chimpanzee habitats and a full audit of key protocols. Further upgrades are in the works throughout the sanctuary, and GFAS stands in full support of the course Primarily Primates has charted forward.”

“Primarily Primates Inc. has a great team of people who really supported this endeavor to become accredited. I am grateful to the staff, volunteers, donors, community supporters, and our extended team at Friends of Animals for going above and beyond to help us achieve this milestone. We have many plans for the direction of the sanctuary. The future is limitless for us!” said Krystal Mathis, Executive Director of Primarily Primates Inc.

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 Primarily Primates
Primarily Primates, Inc. (PPI) is a not-for-profit sanctuary providing permanent, lifetime care and housing for rescued animals, mostly primates. The animals residing in sanctuary have been saved from biomedical research, the pet trade, and/or the entertainment industry. PPI cares for each animal individually and holistically, focusing on both physical and psychological health. PPI was founded in 1978, making it the first primate sanctuary in North America and the first to rescue chimpanzees requiring lifetime care following medical research. As a true sanctuary, PPI is not open to the general public and does not breed, sell, trade or use animals commercially. A community of supporters and collaborators keeps PPI energized and maintained. PPI is committed to giving each animal, for the remainder of her or his life, a life free of exploitation. www.PrimarilyPrimates.org

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September 1, 2022 (Afton, VA) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries and rescue organizations, awarded Accredited status to Hope’s Legacy Equine Rescue as of August 29, 2022.

Accreditation signifies that Hope’s Legacy Equine 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. The Accreditation status also provides a clear and trusted means for the public, donors, and grantors to recognize Hope’s Legacy Equine Rescue as an exceptional organization.

“We are very excited to announce the Accreditation of Hope’s Legacy Equine Rescue,” said Daryl Tropea, Ph.D., GFAS Program Director-Equine. “This is an all-breed organization that works very closely with animal control, helping equines in difficult situations, find new homes. Their Equine Enrichment Program takes rehabilitation one step further, providing comprehensive plans for each equine that considers each animal’s personality along with exercises, activities, and traditional training. This approach has resulted in a very successful adoption program and a reduced length of stay enabling them to help even more equines. Under the leadership of Maya, this organization’s commitment to management best practices and their strategic vision ensures success for years to come.”

“Hope’s Legacy is proud to have received accreditation from GFAS,” said Maya Proulx, Executive Director of Hope’s Legacy Equine Rescue. “Having accreditation through GFAS is an incredible and meaningful way to show that Hope’s Legacy meets the highest standards of care, safety, and governance.”

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 Hope’s Legacy Equine Rescue
Hope’s Legacy Equine Rescue, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation rescues horses, donkeys and other equines throughout Virginia. Any equine/resident of Virginia is eligible for our services. We take equines from both Animal Control seizures and from owners who, due to health or financial reasons, can no longer care for their animal.

Hope’s Legacy’s primary goal is to find new homes for these majestic animals. Often this requires rehabilitating them first, through veterinary care, farrier care, socialization with people and other equines, feed, hay and a secure place to call home for a while. We also support rehabilitation with professional training of some horses. Hope’s Legacy believes that quality professional training increases the likelihood that a horse will be adopted and increases the likelihood that a horse will stay in their adopted home. We have a network of trainers we send our horses to for training.

Adoption applications are carefully vetted with reference checks. Our goal is to place our rescued equines in a new home that is well-matched for both the horse and human.
In 2019 our volunteers began the Equine Enrichment Program. Every horse and donkey who enters Hope’s Legacy is assessed. Can they be haltered? Can they be ridden? Do they know any ground commands? A customized enrichment plan is tailored to the equine’s needs and several volunteers will work with her in her plan. This gives us valuable information we can share with potential adopters, making better and quicker matches.

located in central Virginia. We are an all-breed rescue working to save equines from a variety of situations including, but not limited to abuse, abandonment, neglect, slaughter or whose owners can no longer care for them. We are dedicated to working with our future generation, teaching them responsible equine care.

For more information, please visit Hope’s Legacy Equine Rescue (hopeslegacy.com)

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August 2, 2022 (Rio Rancho, NM) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Verified status to Penny Lane Foal Rescue as of July 22, 2022.

Verification means that Penny Lane Foal 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 Penny Lane Foal Rescue as an exceptional organization.

“We are very proud to announce the recent Verification of Penny Lane Foal Rescue,” said Daryl Tropea, Ph.D., GFAS Program Director-Equine. “This organization provides a unique and vital service for orphaned and abandoned foals. Most foals are only days or weeks old when they arrive, but immediately receive the medical care and socialization needed to ensure they grow into happy and healthy adult horses. Penny Lane Foal Rescue’s expertise extends beyond their ranch, helping foals throughout the state of New Mexico, providing rescue kits of milk replacer, foal feed and more. Their commitment to organizational best practices and partnering with other community services promises years of future success helping these young animals.”

“The encouragement and technical support Penny Lane Foal Rescue received from GFAS strengthened our passion and resolve to develop sustainable operational systems for rescuing and rehabilitating medically fragile orphaned foals, as well as providing comprehensive assistance to our community of orphaned foal caretakers, enabling these most vulnerable little ones to thrive for many years to come,” said Shani Silver, President and Founder of Penny Lane Foal Rescue.

She continued, “The GFAS verification process compelled Penny Lane Foal Rescue to objectively reflect on our current operations, as well as examine our challenges for stability, sustainability, and succession planning. The requirements for meeting GFAS verification empowered us to collaborate, problem-solve, and develop working solution matrices for increasing our resiliency and long-term capacity to provide critically essential services for orphaned foals.”

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 Penny Lane Foal Rescue
Penny Lane Foal Rescue is committed to rescuing and rehabilitating medically fragile orphaned foals throughout New Mexico and on the Navajo Nation, providing intensive socialization and foundation skills, and placing them into their loving, forever homes.” (short mission statement) We specialize in medically fragile orphaned Mustangs culled out following the round ups.

We are a community resource for caretakers of orphaned foals, providing education, support, and financial assistance to help these most vulnerable little ones to thrive.

We train our community’s youth as Horse Leaders and work with volunteers to assist with rehabilitating, socializing, and providing foundation skills for our orphaned foals in preparation for adoption into their forever, loving homes.

For more information, please visit Penny Lane Foal Rescue, Rio Rancho, youth lessons, horse rescue (pennylanefoals.com)

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June 2, 2022 (Liberty, SC) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Verified status to Hasty’s Haven as of May 23, 2022.

Verification means that Hasty’s Haven 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 Hasty’s Haven as an exceptional organization.

“We are proud to announce the recent Verification of Hasty’s Haven,” said Daryl Tropea Ph.D., GFAS Program Director-Equine. “Although this is a new nonprofit organization established in 2020, it is a very promising organization that provides essential services for their community and beyond. Joann and her team of volunteers, specialize in caring for orphan foals plus local equines of all ages, that have suffered neglect or abandonment. From the beginning, Hasty’s Haven was committed to structure their new organization based on best practices of animal care, management, and governance. Future plans include support and education programs to help people recharge and reconnect by bonding with animals.”

“We are excited to have achieved the first step of being credentialed towards accreditation with GFAS which is the gold standard for Animal rescues and Sanctuaries!”, said Joann Kelly, Executive Director of Hasty’s Haven. “It is an honor to work with GFAS whose commitment to animal welfare requires transparency, high standards of care and safety, are those to which we strive to achieve and surpass.”

She continued, “Hasty’s Haven is a refuge for abused, neglected and abandoned equines to find compassion, love and healing. The greatest blessing in this work is watching the light come back in their eyes, their trust grows knowing they are safe. My three daughter’s and I work tirelessly along with our volunteers, amazing vet and farrier to help every horse that crosses our path to heal and when possible, find their forever families. It takes a village, and we are blessed to add GFAS to our village.”

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 Hasty’s Haven
Hasty’s Haven Inc. is an all-volunteer 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to saving the lives of horses, yearlings and foals that were bound for slaughter, victims of starvation, neglect, abandonment and abuse. To date, Hasty’s Haven Inc. has helped many Nurse Mare Foals as well as adult horses using our own funds and small donations from friends. We’ve dedicated the past several years to helping change the lives of horses who were bound for grave endings and with your help and support, we can do more.

For more information, please visit www.hastyshaven.org.

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May 26, 2022 (Spring, TX) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Verified status to Dream Catcher Stables as of May 20, 2022.

Verification means that Dream Catcher Stables 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 Dream Catcher Stables as an exceptional organization.

“We are proud to announce the recent Verification of Dream Catcher Stables,” said Daryl Tropea, Ph.D., GFAS Program Director-Equine. “Dream Catcher Stables provides a lifelong home for equines-in-need and partners these equines with children and adults with disabilities. High on their priorities is to teach people how to properly care for equines, ensuring their social, behavioral, and physical needs are always met. A focus that highly values both partners in the human-equine team, is an organization committed to making a positive difference in the lives of all beings.”

“Dream Catcher Stables Inc of Spring, Tx is proud to be so honored,” said Sanna Roling, President of Dream Catcher Stables. “At a time where charitable funding is extremely competitive and sorely needed, being able to show the world that Dream Catcher Stables Inc of Spring, TX, cares deeply and strives to provide a safe, secure, and important life home for horses is critical.  Every one of our horses has been a gift because they weren’t good at their career or had physical issues.  GFAS credentials provide future donors and funders the knowledge that we are a worthy forever home for these four-footed life partners.”

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 Dream Catcher Stables
From the smallest rider who comes to gain balance and socialization to the oldest rider who comes to find peace and live lifelong dreams, Dream Catcher Stables, has never deviated from its mission: To provide a place in perpetuity where people with disabilities can be successful, equal, and capable growing to their maximum life’s potential through interaction with horses in a positive environment. Please visit our website at Dream Catcher Stables, Inc. – Therapeutic Horsemanship |

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