Author: Robin Mason, GFAS

May 18, 2022 (Colts Neck, NJ) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Accredited status to Bluemont Equine Rescue and Sanctuary as of April 29, 2022.

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

“We are very proud to announce the Accreditation of Bluemont Equine Rescue and Sanctuary,” said Daryl Tropea, Ph.D., GFAS Program Director. “Although this is a young organization, they are clearly committed to providing equine care best practices and non-profit management. Bluemont Sanctuary is dedicated to providing lifelong care for equines of all breeds, most of whom have medical issues that may impact daily care management, but not the quality of their lives. In addition to managing their Sanctuary, they network almost daily with other rescue organizations to help place at risk equines who don’t need sanctuary, into loving new homes. Also, Bluemont provides temporary foster services for other local rescue organizations if they are short on space.”

“Bluemont Equine Sanctuary is very excited to announce our recent accreditation by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries,” said Lesley Luckhardt, cofounder of Bluemont Sanctuary. “It’s such an honor to be recognized by this amazing organization whose commitment to animal welfare is both humbling and inspiring. The GFAS has rigorous accreditation standards that include transparency, excellent care and a focus on safety for both the animals and their human caregivers.”

She continued, “Our sanctuary is a refuge for horses, donkeys, and ponies from various backgrounds. So many of our equines have experienced severe trauma and it is our mission to help heal their shattered hearts with patience and love. When our horses find their power, sense of self, and gain back their dignity we are encouraged to do the same through this life altering work. The GFAS accreditation is such an important milestone for our sanctuary, and we look forward to a wonderful partnership with their organization moving forward.”

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 Bluemont Equine Rescue and Sanctuary
Bluemont Sanctuary provides a safe place for discarded horses to have a second chance at life, a peaceful retirement, a place to heal and be loved, or for some, a soft landing to live out the final days in peace. In addition to the animals living at our sanctuary, Lesley works with other local rescue groups to help rehome abandoned or horses in risk of slaughter.

Bluemont Sanctuary has three main goals: 1) Save equines from bad situations: This means from slaughter and kill pens but also abuse cases and equines that no longer have a viable home and hopefully we intercept before they end up in a slaughter pipeline. 2) Provide a wonderful – enriching and permanent residence to the animals we rescue for the rest of their life, however long that may be 3) Educate : this means making the best effort to help people understand that a equine is no different than a dog or a cat and should be a companion you take care of for life not till they can no longer be ridden or considered useful by the show, race and work world.

For more information, please visit: https://bluemontsanctuary.com/

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May 11, 2022 (Bluff Dale, TX) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Verified status to the Blue Horse Sanctuary as of April 19, 2022.

Verification means that the Blue Horse 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 Blue Horse Sanctuary as an exceptional organization.

“I have ridden – as well as painted – horses all my life and now am so honored to be able to give back a small portion of what they have given me – love, friendship and spiritual insight. To date Blue Horse Sanctuary has provided a home for 28 equines, complete with health care, nutrition, a loving environment with room to roam, and the freedom to live out their lives in peace,” said Melissa Auberty, Executive Director, Blue Horse Sanctuary.

“We are proud to announce the recent Verification of Blue Horse Sanctuary,” said Traci Hanson, GFAS Program Director-Equine. “Not only is Blue Horse a forever home for horses and burros, but the sanctuary also donates hay grown at the sanctuary to other equine organizations in need. It is a great organization doing good work, and it deserves to be recognized for that.”

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 Blue Horse Sanctuary
Blue Horse Sanctuary provides a lifetime of care for unwanted and abused horses and donkeys. We are honored each and every day to care for these beautiful animals, and to provide them with a safe and caring home. The Blue Horse Sanctuary is located on the Wild Wood Ranch, located about 90 miles southwest of Dallas and 70 miles south of Fort Worth.

Blue Horse Sanctuary is a 501(c)(3) charity, founded by artist Melissa Auberty, who, after a lifetime of pleasure working with and painting these beautiful, sensitive animals, wanted to give back to them by providing a permanent home to as many horses as possible at her family ranch. Known for her large, expressionistic, equine paintings, Auberty has dedicated all proceeds from her iconic Blue Horse Series and the Prints of Blue Horses to the support of the foundation.

Blue Horse Sanctuary is governed by a compassionate group of individuals who are dedicated to our mission and efforts.

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March 2, 2022 (Cornwall, UK) – 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 the Flicka Foundation Donkey Sanctuary on February 15, 2022.

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

“We are very proud to announce the Accreditation of the Flicka Foundation Donkey Sanctuary,” said Daryl Tropea, Ph.D., GFAS Program Director-Equine. “In addition to providing excellent care for these special equines, the Flicka Foundation implements the full range of nonprofit management best practices, and clearly is a model sanctuary for others to follow. They have worked diligently to ensure that the mission of the Flicka Foundation established by their founder Mary Berryman, will be carried out for generations to come.”

Judy Giles and Laurie Stephenson run The Flicka Foundation Donkey Sanctuary together as Executive Directors of the charity.  “As an animal sanctuary, we follow our hearts, said Judy Giles, Executive Director of the Flicka Foundation Donkey Sanctuary. “Our morals, passion and compassion tell us we are doing the best we possibly can for the animals that, for one reason or another, find themselves in need of our help. Running a sanctuary can be challenging to say the least, so to have a professional body like GFAS tell us we’re doing things right is incredibly rewarding. We are absolutely delighted to receive GFAS Accreditation, and we will strive to continue to set the bar high with our commitment to animal welfare, ethics and professionalism for the donkeys we care for and all the others out there who need us.”

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 the Flicka Foundation Donkey Sanctuary
The Flicka Foundation Donkey Sanctuary was founded by Mary Berryman in 1995, following the rescue of an elderly pony (Flicka). When 5 donkeys were acquired from an auction in Romania, the plight of at-risk donkeys became their focus. Charity status in the United Kingdom was granted in 2007. Flicka Foundation’s stated mission is to rescue and rehabilitate donkeys, horses and other companion animals from cruelty, neglect, or abandonment, as well as help elderly animals that require veterinary care and specialized attention. Most of their animals come from law enforcement agencies, owner surrenders, and the occasional purchase from auction.  The Flicka Foundation has a foster network of which they retain ownership of all animals for their lives. They also have programs that encourage under-privileged, disabled, and sick children to interact with their rescued donkeys and horses as a therapeutic service. Members of the public are welcome to visit the donkeys year-round. Visits are always escorted and educational.

For more information, please visit  www.flickafoundation.org.uk

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February 24, 2022 (Oxford, IA) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Accredited status to Iowa Farm Sanctuary as of February 1, 2022.

Accreditation signifies that Iowa Farm 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 Iowa Farm Sanctuary as an exceptional organization.

“We are thrilled to announce the Accreditation of Iowa Farm Sanctuary (IFS) and welcome them into the GFAS family,” said Jessica Harris, MS, GFAS Farmed Animal Program Director. “IFS operates in perhaps one of the most challenging regions for farmed animals in the world, making their mission that much more impactful. The juxtaposition of the individualized care and consideration they provide to each resident against the backdrop of American agribusiness is extraordinary. Their attention to special needs animals, expertise on emergency care, and impressive outreach strategy demonstrate the level of excellence at which they operate. We look forward to continuing to support their mission and aspirations in helping farmed animals.”

“Iowa Farm Sanctuary first opened its doors in 2016 as the state’s first vegan farmed animal sanctuary” states Tara Shibbani, PhD, Iowa Farm Sanctuary’s Board Chair. She continued:

We provide a safe haven to rescued farmed animals in need of love and compassion, while offering humans the opportunity to experience the unique sentience and intelligence found within these animals. Strategically located in the epicenter of modern animal agriculture, Iowa Farm Sanctuary advocates for and rescues farmed animals right where it’s needed the most.

Over 100 rescued residents—including many with specialized care needs—call Iowa Farm Sanctuary their home. As a non-profit organization, we rely solely on the generosity of our supporters, so earning and maintaining donor trust is crucial. Achieving GFAS accreditation is so incredibly important to Iowa Farm Sanctuary because it means we’ve reached or surpassed all of the ethical and safety guidelines expected of the highest quality sanctuaries in the world.

As IFS continues to grow, we look forward to building a state-of-the-art medical barn for our rescued residents, becoming the leading resource for farmed animal rescue in the Midwest, and forming a specialized crisis response team to deploy across the country during emergencies, like hurricanes and wildfires, that impact farmed animals. With GFAS accreditation and the enthusiasm of our incredible supporters, the sky is truly the limit for IFS!

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 Iowa Farm Sanctuary
IFS operates in Oxford, IA to provide a safe haven to rescued farm animals in need of love and compassion while providing humans the opportunity to experience the unique sentience and intelligence found within these animals.

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

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January 24, 2022 (Redmond, WA) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Accredited status to Save a Forgotten Equine as of January 12, 2022.

Accreditation signifies that Save a Forgotten Equine (SAFE) 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 Save a Forgotten Equine as an exceptional organization.

“We are very proud to announce the transition from Verified to Accredited status for Save a Forgotten Equine,” said Daryl Tropea, Ph.D., GFAS Program Director-Equine. “As most of their equines come from cruelty and neglect situations, SAFE is dedicated to providing a healing and nurturing environment so these equines can find refuge in preparation for new and lasting homes. When at capacity, SAFE offers several community outreach options including a hay bank that has assisted many horse owners during these difficult years. While providing excellent care, SAFE also implements the full range of non-profit management best practices ensuring the sustainability of this organization for years to come.  In a perfect world, there would be no need for equine rescues but until that time, we are fortunate to have dedicated and committed organizations such as Save a Forgotten Equine.”

“SAFE is very proud to have achieved Accreditation from GFAS,” said Bonnie Hammond, Executive Director for SAFE. “We hold ourselves to a very high standard of equine care and nonprofit governance, and it is gratifying to have those standards validated by an organization like GFAS.”

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 Save a Forgotten Equine
Since 2005, Save a Forgotten Equine (SAFE) has been rescuing and rehabilitating horses that have been starved, neglected, abused or are unwanted. We have formal agreements in place with Animal Control agencies in King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties to support their fight to protect horses in this region. SAFE also provides assistance to horse owners struggling to care for their animals in the current economy.

SAFE is deeply committed to its rescued horses. We have extensive experience in equine rehabilitation and have successfully brought many neglected horses back from the brink of starvation. All of our horses are provided with routine vet care, dental care, vaccinations, and farrier care. Once a horse has been successfully rehabilitated, we carefully evaluate them to discover their strengths and suitability, and we provide many of these horses with professional training to help ensure them a safe and productive future. While at SAFE, horses receive a lot of personal attention and handling. Our rideable horses are worked on a regular basis by our on-staff trainer and by qualified volunteer riders under her supervision.

Once a horse is ready for a permanent home, SAFE undertakes a rigorous screening process to find the ideal placement. We carefully review applications, check references, and conduct site visits, with the goal of finding a long-term home that will benefit both horse and adopter. After a horse is placed into its forever home, annual follow-up visits are conducted to ensure the animal’s continued well-being and SAFE will take a horse back if its adopter can’t continue to care for it.

Despite our years of success helping horses in the local area, SAFE remains a small, modest organization that operates on a shoestring budget and works hard to make every penny count. We rely on public donations to pay the majority of our operating expenses. The funds we raise are used to feed, house, care for and train our horses…essentially paying for everything needed to ensure them a safe and productive future. We have minimal management expenses, and only five paid full time employees. The heart of SAFE is our volunteers — from our Board of Directors to the more than 150 volunteers who handle the day to day care of the horses — an incredible group of people who believe in SAFE’s mission and give the best of their talents and energy to make it succeed.

For more information, please visit; Save a Forgotten Equine (SAFE) | Rescuing, rehabilitating, and retraining horses facing neglect or abuse and provide them with the best opportunity for a permanent home and a lifetime of safety. (safehorses.org)

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December 22, 2021 (Lancaster, CA) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Verified status to Wild at Heart Horse Rescue as of December 2, 2021.

Verification means that Wild at Heart 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 Wild at Heart as an exceptional organization.

“We are proud to announce the recent Verification of Wild at Heart Horse Rescue,” said Daryl Tropea, GFAS Program Director-Equine. “As most of their equines come from neglect and cruelty situations, Wild at Heart Horse Rescue provides a healing and nurturing environment so these horses can find new and lasting homes. Also, this organization strives to intervene early with owners who can no longer care for their horses in hopes of preventing equines from going to auctions. Wild at Heart has demonstrated commitment to best practices in equine care, management and governance.”

“Wild at Heart Horse Rescue is honored and thrilled to be verified by GFAS.” said Leslie Stewart, Executive Director of Wild at Heart. “Receiving our certification offers assurance to our patrons and signifies our level of commitment and care we give to our beautiful animals. We are excited to move forward in this new chapter and want to thank our supporters for sticking with us and holding us up. We look forward to working with new organizations and to welcoming new volunteers to help give our horses the tender, love and care that they deserve.”

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 Wild at Heart Horse Rescue
Wild at Heart Horse Rescue is a 501(c)3 non-profit horse rescue located in Lancaster, CA. We do not support the Kill Pen buyers or auctions. We primarily take in surrendered horses from people that can no longer afford to care for their horses. This way the horses never go to auction and hence do not end up in the kill pen. We consider this a preemptive strike against the kill pens. Our mission is, where possible, to rehabilitate, train and prepare our rescue horses to become the well-loved family members they are meant to be. If a horse can be saved and live without pain, we are willing to do what it takes to make that happen. We also have horses on site that are sanctuary horses and are permanent residents due to their special needs and the high maintenance. For more information, please visit  Wild At Heart Horse Rescue – Wild At Heart

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December 20, 2021(Clinton Corners, NY) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Accredited status to 13 Hands Equine Rescue as of November 30, 2021.

Accreditation signifies that 13 Hands 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 provides a clear and trusted means for the public, donors, and grantors to recognize 13 Hands Equine Rescue as an exceptional organization.

“We are proud to announce the Accreditation of 13 Hands Equine Rescue,” said Daryl Tropea, Ph.D., GFAS Program Director-Equine. “This nonprofit organization employs commendable best practices when undertaking the care and rehabilitation of equines in need. 13 Hands encourages responsible horse ownership and provides education, public awareness, and therapeutic activities that benefit both people and horses. Their solid business and management practices will help to provide a stable and sustainable organization for years to come.”

“13 Hands Equine Rescue is honored to be accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries,” said Marylou Tortorello, Executive Director of 13 Hands. “Since 2015, our mission to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home horses, as well as to partner those horses to help Veterans with PTSD, anxiety, depression and other issues, has always strived to provide the highest quality of care to our rescue horses and other animals.  13 Hands maintains the highest levels of transparency and accountability. We look forward to a long partnership with GFAS.”

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 13 Hands Equine Rescue Inc.
13 Hands Equine Rescue is a not-for-profit 501c3 organization. We rescue unwanted, abused, and abandoned horses and keep them from the slaughter pipeline. The slaughter of horses is a highly profitable business and a horrifying end for a horse. All our horses are sent to a quarantine facility for 30 days so they can rest and start to regain their health and strength. Once they are approved by a licensed veterinarian, they are sent to our farm to begin their transformation. Some horses will be partners in our Equine Assisted Therapy program for veterans and children.  Others will be adopted by loving homes, and some will stay and become 13 Hands full time residents where they will peacefully live out the rest of their days. We are proud to be a Platinum GuideStar member! For more information, please visit 13 Hands Equine Rescue | Homepage.

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December 9, 2021 (Arcadia, FL) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Verified status to Yesahcan Sanctuary, Inc. as of November 17, 2021.

Verification means that Yesahcan Sanctuary meets the criteria of a true farmed animal 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 Yesahcan Sanctuary as an exceptional organization.

“We are proud to announce the recent Verification of Yesahcan Sanctuary” said Jessica Harris, MS, GFAS Farmed Animal Program Director. “Karla and her team have demonstrated a dedication to excellence, best practices, and attention to detail in all they do. The residents of Yesahcan are among the lucky few to be free of the animal agriculture industry and call this lush, enriching, beautiful space home. Yesahcan also does the critical work of education and outreach to the public in order to help animals beyond their grounds. We expect great things from them and happily welcome them to the GFAS family.”

“We are dedicated to providing the best care for each individual that calls Yesahcan Sanctuary home” stated Karla Dumas, Executive Director of Yesahcan Sanctuary. “That care includes continuing to grow in a variety of ways each year. As we approach the sanctuary’s four-year anniversary in January, GFAS certification reflects the commitments put in place here. This will not only strengthen our internal efforts, but offers a level of trust to all supporters that Yesahcan Sanctuary is fully committed to improving the lives of all farmed animals in its care, while raising awareness of more compassionate food choices.”

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 Yesahcan Sanctuary
Yesahcan Sanctuary is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides refuge and life-long homes to farm animals in need. Founded in 2018, the sanctuary is home to over 85 permanent residents from a variety of backgrounds, many of whom have been abandoned, abused, surrendered by owners, or simply subjected to the cruelties of the animal agriculture industry.

The mission is two-fold: first, to shelter; second, to educate. Not only do we offer safety and a forever home to as many rescued farm animals as possible, but we also offer education opportunities to the public about more compassionate lifestyle choices, starting with what we put on our plates. Yesahcan Sanctuary is designed to be a refuge for everyone who steps foot on its grounds.

To learn more visit https://yesahcansanctuary.org/

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November 19, 2021 (Wilton, CT) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Verified status to Rising Starr Horse Rescue (RSHR) as of November 15, 2021.

Verification means that Rising Starr 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 Rising Starr Horse Rescue as an exceptional organization.

“We are proud to announce the recent Verification of Rising Starr Horse Rescue,” said Daryl Tropea, Ph.D., GFAS Program Director-Equine. “Rising Starr is committed to helping horses in need ensuring they receive appropriate rehabilitation to regain their health. All volunteers follow the Forever Foundation training program resulting in consistent and effective outcomes for every equine. In addition to providing quality care, this organization is committed to management best practices.”

“Rising Starr Horse Rescue is thrilled to be Verified by GFAS,” said Kelly Stackpole, Executive Director of Rising Starr. “It not only gives our supporters confidence but opens up new avenues to work with other organizations to make responsible rescue a reality.”

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 Rising Starr Horse Rescue
Rising Starr Horse Rescue saves, rehabilitates, retrains and rehomes abandoned, neglected or abused horses. We educate the public about at-risk horses and the importance of protecting them. By giving America’s horses a second chance at life we give the community the chance to experience the love, patience, and compassion have for humans. For more information, please visit https://www.risingstarrhorserescue.org/.

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