Category: Latest News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Download press release here.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Download Verification press release here.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Download press release here.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Download Verification press release here.

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

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

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

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

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

About Dreamchaser PMU Rescue & Rehabilitation

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

Download press release here.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Download press release here.

December 16, 2019 (Citra, FL) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Accredited status to Kindred Spirits Sanctuary as of December 9, 2019.

Accreditation signifies that Kindred Spirits Sanctuary 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 Kindred Spirits Sanctuary,” said Daryl Tropea Ph.D., GFAS Program Director. “There is no denying that this highly qualified team of professionals is committed to providing a safe haven for everyone of their 175 plus resident animals. Each animal is treated as an individual with unique care needs and personalities. Their beautiful ranch and habitats provide acres of green grass, wallowing ponds, and shade structures for animals to luxuriate for the remainder of their lives.”

“Kindred Spirits also has their own Veterinarian Program which also provides low cost care for several other farm sanctuaries. Public education is an important part of their mission. Farm animals are exploited every day in our society and are subject to horrific forms of abuse. Kindred Spirits Sanctuary invites the public to value animals as unique sentient beings.”

“At Kindred Spirits Sanctuary we believe that accreditation is an important part of the work farm animal sanctuaries do, as it helps set a high standard for individualized animal care,” said Logan Vindett, Executive Director of Kindred Spirits Sanctuary. “All too often farm animals are looked at as just a number in our society, proving that they are so much more requires attention to every aspect of their care. Accreditation also helps us speak to our donors about the work we do and how their donations make an impact, by proving that it is not just excellent animal care that we practice but also smart business strategies.”

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 Kindred Spirits Sanctuary
Kindred Spirits is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to ending the abuse and suffering of farm animals through rescue, advocacy and education. We seek to provide a place where people can connect with these sentient beings and discover their unique (and often humorous!) personalities. At Kindred Spirits, farm animals are our friends, not our food. We are passionate about helping others form bonds with these remarkable animals, and gladly give tours on scheduled days. Kindred Spirits Sanctuary invites you to come and give a pig a belly rub or get a kiss from a cow! Volunteers are also welcome to join our “Work Parties” and are invaluable to our rescue work. For more information, visit http://www.kssfl.org.

Download press release here.

December 6, 2019 (Keenesburg, CO) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Accredited status to The Wild Animal Sanctuary and The Wild Animal Refuge as of December 3, 2019. Together both sanctuaries provide lifelong care to more than 500 animals that have been abused, abandoned, displaced or neglected.

Achieving GFAS Accreditation means that The Wild Animal Sanctuary (TWAS) and its extension facility, The Wild Animal Refuge (TWAR) meet the criteria of true sanctuaries and are providing humane and responsible care for 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 TWAS and TWAR as exceptional sanctuaries.

“We are very proud to announce the recent Accreditation of these two affiliated sanctuaries,” said Daryl Tropea, Ph.D., GFAS Program Director. “The Wild Animal Sanctuary and The Wild Animal Refuge provide exceptional care for many animals, including many lions, tigers and bears, that have been rescued from horrific captive situations. The two sanctuaries together are possibly the largest in the world, providing over 10,000 acres of natural habitats comprised of hills, canyons, springs, and caves for animals to rehabilitate and roam freely. Also, Pat and his excellent team provide comprehensive education regarding the welfare and plight of captive wildlife and are dedicated to helping animals-in-need worldwide.”

“As the Executive Director of The Wild Animal Sanctuary, I would like to say how grateful we are to be accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS),” said Pat Craig, ED of Wild Animal Sanctuary.  “Their extensive efforts to identify and accredit world class facilities is unparalleled, and generously enables public confidence when looking toward the safety and wellbeing of rescued animals around the world.”

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 Wild Animal Sanctuary and The Wild Animal Refuge

Established in 1980, The Wild Animal Sanctuary is a state and federally licensed zoological facility and a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Our educational facility is located outside of Keenesburg, Colorado, 30 miles northeast of Denver, on 789 acres of rural, rolling grasslands, sheltering more than 500 large carnivores!  Our Refuge facility is a 9,684-acre property located in southern Colorado near the town of Springfield, CO.  This facility is not open to the public and hosts rescued animals in amazingly natural habitats ranging upwards in size of 100 -1,000 acres in size.  TWAS is the largest and oldest sanctuary of its kind in the World.

For the past 39 years, TWAS has responded to more than 1,000 requests from private citizens and government agencies to rescue animals from across the United States and other countries. Our resident animals were abandoned, abused, kept illegally or were victims or other terrible situations. Most were the pets of private citizens but were confiscated by law enforcement officials for being in illegal or abusive situations. Others were surplus animals from zoos and other wildlife facilities, where they faced euthanasia due to over-breeding, overcrowding or closure due to inadequate finances. Our 500+ residents include tigers, African lions, black bears, grizzly bears, mountain lions, leopards, wolves, servals, bobcats, foxes, lynx, coyote, coati mundi, raccoon, porcupine, tortoise, ostrich, emu, camels, alpacas, yaks, horses, donkeys and rescued dogs and cats. For more information, visit www.wildanimalsanctuary.org.

Download press release here.

November 21, 2019 (Coloma, WI) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Verified status to SonnyBoy Animal Sanctuary as of November 12, 2019.

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

“We are proud to announce the recent Verification of SonnyBoy Animal Sanctuary,” said Valerie Taylor, GFAS Executive Director. “SonnyBoy saw a great need for rescue, rehabilitation, and sanctuary and adoption services for farmed animals, mini pigs in particular. Since their organization’s inception, SonnyBoy’s Founders, Board, and personnel have endeavored to create a facility which provides the highest level of care for its’ animal residents, and couples this with educational outreach and advocacy programs.”

“The news of having been granted the status of Verification by GFAS has elicited great honor at the sanctuary,” said Nicole Helmer, Executive Director of SonnyBoy Animal Sanctuary. “Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries is a well-respected organization known to have outstanding credentials and a rigorous system to ensure the quality of the organizations they grant membership to.  Receiving Verification, and being the first mini pig-specific sanctuary in the United States to do so, is a great honor and only makes us strive to continue to deserve the designation.”

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 SonnyBoy Animal Sanctuary
SonnyBoy Animal Sanctuary is home to a number of animals that were in need of a place of refuge.  Incorporated in 2016, SonnyBoy has grown from a simple sanctuary for a few animals to the largest mini-pig specific sanctuary licensed in the State of Wisconsin.  We are located in Coloma, Wisconsin on just over 6 acres in the rolling hills of central Wisconsin with a sky full of stars and a barn full of mini pigs. Although we have taken in a few horses, goats, and lots of chickens over the years, we have chosen to specialize in mini pigs. We mainly take in mini pigs that have been seized by animal control and/or law enforcement. Many of these animals have been neglected, abused, and suffer medical conditions. We work on moving the animals out of animal control as soon as possible, due to the lack of proper space for and knowledge of mini pigs.  While at the sanctuary they receive proper medical care, are given a high-quality diet with supplements as needed, and when appropriate, are accessed for what kind of family they would fit into.  If found to have the proper requirements for rehoming (temperament, history, size), they are prepared for adoption.  If the animal is deemed to not be a candidate for rehoming, they will live their natural lives out here at the sanctuary.  SonnyBoy Animal Sanctuary is a licensed, registered Wisconsin nonprofit and an IRS designated 501c3 organization. For more information, visit https://www.sonnyboyanimalsanctuary.org/

Download press release here.

November 15, 2019, (Meridian, ID) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Accredited status to Idaho Horse Rescue as of September 9, 2019.

Accreditation signifies that Idaho 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 Accreditation of Idaho Horse Rescue,” said Valerie Taylor, GFAS Executive Director. “This organization has created impressive rescue, rehabilitation and retraining services in an area of the country where few resources exist for equine-in-need. Operating with a solid business background, Idaho Horse Rescue is creating connections in the community and with local law enforcement which will help to increase opportunities and raise awareness for at-risk horses in their state now and into the future.”

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

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

About Idaho Horse Rescue
Idaho Horse Rescue’s mission is to rescue horses from abusive or neglectful situations, to rehabilitate them both physically and mentally, and to coordinate adoptions into loving, caring and educated forever homes. We work diligently with State and County law enforcement officials and animal welfare agencies to facilitate the surrender of said horses as well as offering equine education and training to horse owners in our community. We are one of the only, if not the only organization of our kind within our geographical area which covers 19 counties in Southeastern Oregon, Northern Nevada and Southwestern Idaho.  Learn more at  http://www.idahohorserescue.org/ .

Download press release here.