February 20, 2024 (Grass Valley, CA) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Accredited status to Animal Place as of January 16, 2024.
Accreditation signifies that Animal Place 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 Animal Place as an exceptional organization.
“It is an honor to welcome Animal Place into the GFAS family,” said Jessica Harris, MS, GFAS Farmed Animal Program Director. As one of the original nonprofit farmed animal sanctuaries in the US, if not the world, Animal Place has established themselves as a powerhouse organization – not only when it comes to protecting the animals in their care, but also those who aren’t lucky enough to enter their doors. Through robust advocacy programs, Animal Place encourages the public, as well as other organizations, to leave animals off their plates. Their in-person and virtual Museum of Animal Farming is perhaps one of the most impactful experiences we have had at sanctuary. They showcase just how powerful sanctuaries can be as animal advocates and provide an excellent model for how other sanctuaries can step into this role as well. Their advocacy is rivaled only by their exceptional animal care at the sanctuary, where residents are provided the safety and love of sanctuary in extensive, beautiful spaces. The combination of their expertise and ethics set the bar high for the movement and embody true sanctuary.”
“Animal Place is one of the oldest and largest farmed animal sanctuaries in the United States,” says Marji Beach, Development Director at Animal Place. She continues, “Since 1989 we’ve provided a safe, permanent refuge for thousands of animals rescued from severe abuse, neglect, and cruelty at the hands of our food system. We also strive to be a focal point for advocacy and education, funding humane education and advocacy programs across the country. Providing our animal residents with the best lives possible is only the beginning of our mission. At our 600-acre Grass Valley property, cows, pigs, goats, sheep, donkeys, chickens, turkeys, guinea fowl, rabbits and tortoises are provided with top-notch care by our experienced, creative, and passionate animal care staff.
In a world with few legal protections for farmed animals, we firmly believe that those responsible for their care must be held to higher standards. As a sanctuary, we recognize that the rescue world must not be an exception to this. Simply removing animals from abusive situations is not enough. We are determined to provide species-appropriate as well as individualized care for every animal who enters our sanctuary grounds. Nutritious diets, individualized veterinary plans, enrichment items, behavioral care, and expansive, stimulating enclosures are just a few factors in creating this reality.
We owe it to animals to provide a joyful, enriching, fulfilling life. Animal Place is absolutely honored to have received accreditation from the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries, an institution dedicated to bettering the standards of the rescue, advocacy and sanctuary world. With the oversight of GFAS, we are fully committed to the lifelong process of bettering our relationship with the animals in our care.”
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 Animal Place
Animal Place has a mission to provide refuge for unwanted farmed animals, to further their welfare through education of the public, and to foster ethics of compassion and responsibility towards nonhuman animals by advocating a vegan lifestyle. The sprawling 600-acre facility, nestled in Grass Valley, CA, provides refuge to hundreds of abused and neglected farmed animals. While the primary focus is to provide sanctuary for animals, creating meaningful change means educating others about the plight of farmed animals. They welcome thousands of visitors to the sanctuary each year who want to learn more about farmed animal behavior, industry practices, and dietary change. Volunteer classes introduce folks to the more hands-on ways people can help. Internships are also available.
For more information, please visit: https://animalplace.org/
