Category: Latest News

(Monroe, WA) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Verified status to Equine Aid and Donkey Rescue as of October 9, 2016.

Verification means that Equine Aid and Donkey 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 Equine Aid and Donkey Rescue as an exceptional organization.

“We are proud to announce the recent verification of Equine Aid and Donkey Rescue,” said Valerie Taylor, GFAS Director of Accreditation. “Rehabilitation and training for equines is of utmost importance to this organization, as evidenced by the care each equine receives to ensure their return to health.  In addition, Equine Aid’s focus on assisting owners in the community with difficulties surrounding their animals demonstrates the organization’s commitment to equines-in-need in Washington state.”

“I have always respected the thorough approach GFAS takes to verify rescues and sanctuaries,” said Geri Vincent, President of Equine Aid and Donkey Rescue. “Having personal experience working with a multitude of rescue groups, I am grateful this organization has shouldered the responsibility of investigating how we operate. The Equine Aid crew is honored to be verified by GFAS as worthy of the public trust and we will continue to take that responsibility seriously.”

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 Born Free USA, 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. localhost.

About Equine Aid and Donkey Rescue

The mission of Equine Aid and Donkey Rescue is to provide rescue and rehabilitation, placement, or sanctuary for at risk equines, and to serve as a voice against all abuse. Our goal is that every animal accepted into our program will be safe for life. Each one receives complete health care, as much time as they need to recover and to be re-trained prior to placement. If they are not adoptable, they remain here in sanctuary for life. We follow our placed animals and require their return if the adopter can no longer care for them. Our inclusive environment welcomes everyone who admires equines and desires to become part of what we do. We believe that all human and non-human beings deserve kindness and respect.  
About the ASPCA®

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

Download press release here.

October 5, 2016 (Lockwood, CA) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Accredited status to Redwings Horse Sanctuary (aka Horse Power Sanctuaries) as of September 30, 2016.

Accreditation signifies that Redwings Horse 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.

“Redwings Horse Sanctuary is a wonderful role model demonstrating excellence and professionalism in equine best practices of animal care and nonprofit management,” said Daryl Tropea, GFAS Director of Accreditation. “Redwings is dedicated to providing a lifelong home for equines needing sanctuary due to age, illness or injury and also to providing adoptive homes for healthy horses when appropriate. Today Redwings is home to more than 85 equine of all sizes and breeds. The dedication the staff, volunteers and Board of Directors have for the welfare of all these animals is undeniable. We are proud to announce their well-deserved achievement of GFAS accreditation”.

“Redwings is honored to be accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries”, said Paula Germain, Executive Director of Redwings Horse Sanctuary. “Redwings enjoyed the accreditation process and the staff at GFAS were wonderful to work with and very supportive.  GFAS sets the highest standards for equine care and Redwings is very proud to have met all of their strict standards of care.  We look forward to continuing to provide the highest standards of care to all of our equine residents”.

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 Born Free USA, 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. localhost.

About Red Wings Horse Sanctuary

Redwings Horse Sanctuary was founded in 1991 and is dedicated to rescuing abused, abandoned, and neglected horses.  Our organization also promotes community outreach and education to help prevent future abuse and neglect.  Redwings accepts all breeds from adorable miniature horses, to magnificent draft breeds.  Redwings has a foster to adopt program to ensure that all our horses are placed in appropriate and loving permanent homes.  Redwings is proud to be an after care partner for the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and The California Retirement Management Account to help retired racehorses find new careers in second homes. We are honored to be accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries. For more information, call 831-386-0135 or visit us at www.redwingshorsesanctuary.org

About the ASPCA®

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

Download press release here.

“Indraloka Animal Sanctuary is truly a safe haven for farm animals that have nowhere else to turn. The animal residents at Indraloka Animal Sanctuary are provided with life-time care and are not treated as objects or commodities but rather as members of the family”, says Jeanne Marie Pittman, GFAS Director of Accreditation for the Americas.

Mehoopany, PA- The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) is honored to announce that Indraloka Animal Sanctuary in Mehoopany, Pennsylvania has achieved GFAS Accreditation.

“The competition in the animal agribusiness industry to produce inexpensive meat, eggs, and dairy products has led to the pervasive treatment of animals as objects and commodities. If the anti-cruelty laws that protect pets were applied to farmed animals, many of the most routine farming practices would be illegal. Indraloka Animal Sanctuary, is truly a safe haven for farm animals that have nowhere else to turn. The animal residents at Indraloka Animal Sanctuary are provided with life-time care and are not treated as objects or commodities but rather as members of the family, says Jeanne Marie Pittman, GFAS Director of Accreditation for the Americas.

Since being founded in 2005, Indraloka Animal Sanctuary has rescued and cared for approximately 1,000 animals, and has brought their humane education programs, stories, and films to hundreds of thousands of people around the world. “There are so many more animals in need than we alone can rescue,” says Indra Lahiri, the sanctuary’s founder. “This is why a big part of our mission is education.  We believe that by teaching compassion, especially to children, we can have a far greater impact than we could if our mission were focused solely on animal rescue.”  In addition to programs for children and adults held at the sanctuary, Indraloka’s Creative Director, Johnny Braz, creates both short and full-length films about the sanctuary’s animal residents.  Meanwhile, Lahiri writes stories about the animals in Indraloka’s care.  The films and stories have garnered a worldwide following.

Achieving GFAS Accreditation means Indraloka Animal Sanctuary meets the comprehensive and rigorous definition of a true sanctuary and as such provides humane and responsible care for the animals and meets the rigorous standards for operations, administration, and veterinary care established by GFAS. GFAS is the only globally recognized organization that provides a method for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, rescues and rehabilitation centers. The accreditation status provides a clear and trusted means for public, donors, and government agencies to recognize Indraloka Animal Sanctuary as an exceptional sanctuary.

“We are thrilled and honored to have earned this accreditation.” says Braz, “It is the culmination of years of hard work by our Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers, and in the end it positions us even more strongly to provide, well into the future, the best possible care for farm animals in need.”

“In a world where many sanctuaries struggle, and many animals languish due to lack of care, it is wonderful to have a group of experts ensuring that rescued animals have all that they need,” states Lahiri. “GFAS was thorough and rigorous in their examination.  They clearly have the animals’ best interests at heart. We are grateful to have the support and approval of an organization with such high standards. Truly, we are blessed.”

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 Born Free USA, The Humane Society of the United States, International Fund for Animal Welfare, the ASPCA, and American Anti-Vivisection Society, all board members serve as individuals dedicated to animal sanctuaries.

About Indraloka Animal Sanctuary

Indraloka, a 501(c)3 charitable nonprofit, provides heaven on earth for farm animals with nowhere else to turn. They inform, inspire, and empower the community, especially children, on ways in which we can better care for ourselves and the environment while helping animals in need. For more information, please visit www.indraloka.org.

Download press release here.

July 8, 2016 (San Angelo Texas) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Accredited status to Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue (PVDR) as of July 7, 2016.

Accreditation signifies that Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue meets GFAS’s rigorous and peer-reviewed equine and 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.

“There is no denying the absolute dedication and commitment of Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue to improving the plight of donkeys and burros across this country”, said Daryl Tropea, GFAS Director of Accreditation – Equine. “The leadership, staff and volunteers of this network of facilities are clearly devoted to providing the highest level of rehabilitation and health care to meet the unique needs of these special equine.  With more than 3,000 donkeys in their care, PVDR stands out as a vital contributor to improving the welfare of donkeys and burros not only in Texas but nationally and internationally, as well.”

“This accreditation means a lot to all of us”, said Mark S. Meyers, Executive Director for Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue. “All of us at the Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue are humbled by this accreditation from the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries. We have developed, what we believe, is a world class organization, to have our efforts recognized by such a prestigious organization is a true honor. The staff of Peaceful Valley has always strived to be the very best at what we do, it is an honor to have others see that in us as well.”

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 Born Free USA, 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. localhost.

About Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue
The Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue is our nation’s largest donkey rescue with over twenty facilities nationwide. We work directly with federal, state and local agencies to provide rescue services to abused, neglected, abandoned and wild donkeys. PVDR manages one of the largest privately held herd of donkeys in the world on its main rehabilitation facility in San Angelo Texas, it’s sanctuaries in East Texas and its Satellites distributed from Coast to Coast and Border to Border. For more information about Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue call 325.276.1662, or visit www.donkeyrescue.org.

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

Download press release here.

(West Hemet, CA)  – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Verified status to So Cal Mini Horse Sanctuary as of June 17, 2016.

Verification means that So Cal Mini 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 So Cal Mini Horse Sanctuary as an exceptional organization.

“The So Cal Mini Horse Sanctuary is a young but very promising sanctuary for miniature horses. This organization clearly strives to adhere to best practices and have shown impressive accomplishments rescuing over 90 miniature horses during their first year of operations,” said Daryl Tropea, GFAS Director of Accreditation – Equine. “The GFAS site inspector noted So Cal Mini’s excellent husbandry practices and innovative solutions for caring for these smaller equines often forgotten in this large-equine oriented world. So Cal Mini Horse Sanctuary has adopted great enrichment and socializing practices for these horses certainly enhancing their suitability for adoption.”

“So Cal Mini Horse Sanctuary is pleased and honored to be recognized with verification status by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries,” said Jeanne Candelario, President of So Cal Mini Horse Sanctuary. “We are very proud to be part of a world-wide organization dedicated to the care of animals, and to be recognized for our continuous efforts to meet GFAS’s high animal care and management standards.   The prestigious impact this certification carries inspires us to strive even further in maintaining the high levels of care and standards as we continue our work of providing the best quality of life possible for the mini horses in our care.”

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 Born Free USA, The Humane Society of the United States, International Fund for Animal Welfare, the ASPCA, and American Anti-Vivisection Society, all board members serve as individuals dedicated to animal sanctuaries. localhost.

So Cal Mini Horse Sanctuary

So Cal Mini Horse Sanctuary exists as a 501(c) 3 nonprofit to rescue, rehabilitation and rehome neglected and abused miniature horses. 100% of all donations go directly to the minis in our care. Our focus is to rescue minis from any situation of neglect, abuse or abandonment and bring them to our sanctuary for rehabilitation. Through love and nourishment we work to heal the mental, physical and emotional health of each mini horse in hopes that they will one day find a wonderful forever home.

There is a wonderful network of angels that raise funds and pool resources to save as many of these horses as possible in hopes of offering them a new start in life. Where fear and neglect is left behind and replaced with love and trust. Our sanctuary is grateful to be chosen as the new home for many of the rescued miniature horses, giving them the second chance they all deserve.  For more information, visit www.socialminihorse.org or call 951-764-5707.

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

Download press release here.

(El Dorado Hills, CA)  – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Verified status to All About Equine Animal Rescue (AAE) as of April 14, 2016.

Verification means that All About Equine 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 All About Equine Animal Rescue as an exceptional organization.

“The commitment and dedication of the volunteers of All About Equine to helping at risk horses, is undeniable,” said Daryl Tropea, GFAS Director of Accreditation – Equine. “AAE’s extensive volunteer program ensures a well-trained and knowledgeable network prepared to address not only the needs of their horses but the day to day management of the organization as well. They certainly serve as a role model for other rescues striving to build their volunteer core.”

“It is an honor to be recognized with Verification status by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries.  This is a milestone accomplishment for AAE and all our dedicated volunteers. It is always our goal to provide our horses with a safe and healthy environment as they transition from rescue through rehab and onto new homes.  This recognition affirms the quality of responsible care and commitment provided to our horses by our amazing team of volunteers.  We are proud to be part of a world-wide organization dedicated to the care of animals,” said Wendy Digiorno, Executive Director of All About Equine Animal Rescue, Inc.

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

About Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries

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

All About Equine Animal Rescue, Inc. (AAE) is a volunteer-based 501(c)(3) non-profit equine rescue and rehabilitation organization in El Dorado Hills, California.  Founded in 2009, AAE’s mission is to rescue and rehabilitate abused, neglected, abandoned, unwanted and/or slaughter-bound animals, primarily equines. The organization’s strategic process is to match healthy, rehabilitated animals with compatible, loving and permanent adoptive homes, to provide long-term care for unadoptable animals, to offer a variety of equine-based activity programs, and to educate neighboring communities about abused, neglected, abandoned, unwanted and/or slaughter-bound animals. For more information, visit www.allaboutequine.org or call 916-520-4423.

About the ASPCA®

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

Download press release here.

“We are excited to announce that Rabbit Sanctuary Inc. is the first lifetime care sanctuary for domestic rabbits to be verified by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries” says GFAS Executive Director, Kellie Heckman

Simpsonville, SC – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) is honored to announce that Rabbit Sanctuary Inc., in Simpsonville, South Carolina, has achieved GFAS verification.

“We are excited to announce that Rabbit Sanctuary Inc.is the first lifetime care sanctuary for domestic rabbits to be verified by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries” says GFAS Executive Director, Kellie Heckman. Every year, thousands of well-meaning parents across America purchase rabbits as Easter gifts for their children. Often after a very short time, they are abandoned, and they end up in shelters, or worse. Rabbit Sanctuary Inc., a non-profit organization, provides lifetime care for domestic rabbits. Rabbits at the sanctuary live in pairs or trios in open air, predator-proof rabbitats, complete with a custom made bunny dwelling. They spend their days basking in the sunshine, eating organic vegetables from the garden and digging their own natural burrows. “It is heartwarming to see animals that were once unwanted pets experiencing peace and companionship in Rabbit Sanctuary Inc.’s natural woodsy setting” says Heckman.

Achieving GFAS verification means Rabbit Sanctuary Inc. meets the comprehensive and rigorous definition of a true sanctuary and is providing humane and responsible care of the rabbits, meeting rigorous and peer-reviewed standards for operations, administration, and veterinary care established by GFAS, which is the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries. The verification status also provides a clear and trusted means for public, donors, and government agencies to recognize Rabbit Sanctuary Inc. as an exceptional sanctuary.

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 Born Free USA, The Humane Society of the United States, International Fund for Animal Welfare, the ASPCA, and American Anti-Vivisection Society, all board members serve as individuals dedicated to animal sanctuaries. localhost.

About Rabbit Sanctuary Inc.
Rabbit Sanctuary Inc. is a 501(c) 3 charitable organization incorporated in March, 2002. The Rabbit Sanctuary is situated on 30 beautiful acres in a wooded area of Simpsonville, SC. Rescued and unwanted rabbits are given a home for life and provided daily care, lots of love, and the chance to make new rabbit friends. Rabbit Sanctuary Inc. also helps educate people about how to live with rabbits as companion animals. They offer the opportunity to virtually adopt (sponsor) a sanctuary rabbit through the Adopt-A-Rabbit Sponsorship Program. This program helps to support the rabbits by providing funds for their daily needs. For more information about Rabbit Sanctuary Inc. visit, www.adopt-a-rabbit.org.

Download press release here.

“Bat World Sanctuary truly maintains the welfare of the bats as their highest priority as demonstrated by their individualized intensive care of non-releasable bats and the extremely high survival rates of the bats they rescue, rehabilitate and release back into the wild”, says, Kellie Heckman, Executive Director of GFAS.

Weatherford, TX – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) is honored to announce that Bat World Sanctuary in Weatherford, Texas has achieved GFAS Accreditation.

“It is heartwarming to animals that are so often misunderstood and mistreated receiving the high quality, life-long care and respect they deserve at Bat World Sanctuary. Bat World Sanctuary truly maintains the welfare of the bats as their highest priority as demonstrated by their individualized intensive care of non-releasable bats and the extremely high survival rates of the bats they rescue, rehabilitate and release back into the wild”, says, Kellie Heckman, Executive Director of GFAS

Achieving GFAS Accreditation means Bat World Sanctuary meets the comprehensive and rigorous definition of a true sanctuary and as such provides humane and responsible care for bats and meets the rigorous standards for operations, administration, and veterinary care established by GFAS. GFAS is the only globally recognized organization that provides a method for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, rescues and rehabilitation centers. The accreditation status provides a clear and trusted means for public, donors, and government agencies to recognize Bat World Sanctuary as an exceptional sanctuary.

Bat World Sanctuary is on the front lines to end the mistreatment of bats. Each year Bat World Sanctuary rescues hundreds of bats who might otherwise die. Lifetime sanctuary is given to non-releasable bats, including those that are orphaned, injured, and retired from the exotic pet trade, zoos and research facilities. Many of the bats at Bat World Sanctuary lived in highly substandard conditions before arriving at the sanctuary. Bat World Sanctuary provides the security and privacy these bats need to recuperate and live comfortable, healthy lives. Bat World Sanctuary also works to protect and conserve wild bat colonies; promote the humane treatment of bats in captivity; educate the public about the importance of bats; and train animal care professionals on the proper treatment of bats. To date, Bat World Sanctuary has trained over 400 veterinarians, biologists, zoologists and other animal care professionals from every bat inhabited continent in the world.

Bat World Sanctuary has been on the forefront of cutting-edge rehabilitation methods for over two decades. One of Bat World Sanctuary’s greatest achievements was the recovery of an orphaned, hand-raised free-tailed bat. Previous rehabilitation theories by others strongly indicated that hand-raised orphaned insectivorous bats could not be released back to the wild due to their inability to develop appropriate survival skills. However, Bat World Sanctuary rescued, rehabilitated and released an orphan free-tailed bat that was discovered as an adult thirteen years later. During her lifetime, the bat likely migrated over 30,000 miles on her way to and from Mexico every year, raised six to eight youngsters of her own, and ate an estimated 23,725,000 insect pests. The recovery of this free-tailed bat rehabilitated and released by Bat World Sanctuary proves without doubt that orphaned insectivorous bats can indeed be released back to the wild to live the rich, full lives they deserve.

“It is an honor to have earned accreditation with the prestigious Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries. Having this title, along with being accredited by the American Sanctuary Association, earns Bat World Sanctuary the merit of being the only accredited bat sanctuary on earth”, says Amanda Lollar, Founder & President of Bat World Sanctuary.

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 Born Free USA, The Humane Society of the United States, International Fund for Animal Welfare, the ASPCA, and American Anti-Vivisection Society, all board members serve as individuals dedicated to animal sanctuaries. localhost.

About Bat World Sanctuary
Bat World Sanctuary was founded in 1994 and is a 501c3 non-profit organization with a mission to provide a permanent sanctuary for non-releasable bats and to protect and conserve wild bat colonies. Bat World Sanctuary is the legacy of a small bat, found permanently injured on a hot Texas sidewalk in 1988. This tiny, two-inch creature was the inspiration behind the creation of Bat World Sanctuary. Bat World Sanctuary is now the largest rehabilitation/teaching sanctuary in the world that is solely dedicated to bats and has been recognized as the “leaders in the field of the rehabilitation of bats” by government agencies.

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February 12, 2016 (Homestead, Florida)-  The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Accredited status to South Florida Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SFSPCA) as of February 12, 2016.

Accreditation signifies that SFSPCA meets GFAS’s rigorous and peer-reviewed equine and 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.

“Since 1993 SFSPCA has provided a safe haven for more than 2,000 horses and farm animals in immediate need of assistance due to abandonment or abuse. SFSPCA’s commitment to providing high quality care and rehabilitation for these animals is undeniable,” said Daryl Tropea, GFAS Director of Accreditation – Equine. “Also, the Board of Directors, staff and volunteers of SFSPCA are to be congratulated for their ongoing efforts to achieve management best practices ensuring the long term sustainability of SFSPCA. We congratulate them for this well-deserved achievement of GFAS Accreditation.”

“South Florida SPCA Horse Rescue is ecstatic to receive Accreditation status by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries. GFAS accreditation is the international gold standard for sanctuaries, rescue centers and rehabilitation centers in the animal welfare community,” said Kathleen Monahan, President SFSPCA. She continued, “South Florida SPCA Horse Rescue is an important resource for South Florida’s Miami-Dade County, and we are extremely proud to be recognized for our continuous efforts to meet GFAS’s high animal care and management standards. We pledge to maintain adherence to these standards as we continue our work of providing the best quality of life possible for equines and livestock in our care. Thank you to the Board of Directors, Committees and Staff of GFAS for bestowing this great honor on South Florida SPCA.”

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 Born Free USA, 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. localhost.

About South Florida Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

South Florida Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization located in Miami, Florida. Founded in 1992, it is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and adoption of abused, neglected and abandoned horses and other large farm animals. The organization also educates the community about responsible horse care and ownership, and promotes the welfare of equines through local and national advocacy. SFSPCA operates under the guidelines of Florida State Statutes Chapter 828 which defines animal cruelty, abandonment and neglect. It is not part of or supported by a national or governmental agency, nor associated with the A.S.P.C.A. or any other agency or charity. Operating funds come from the donations of money, services and personal efforts of private individuals and companies. For more information, visit www.helpthehorses.org. 

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

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