Category: Latest News

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

Accreditation signifies that Sunshine Horses meets GFAS’s rigorous and peer-reviewed equine care standards which are confirmed by a comprehensive site visit. Accreditation also signifies adherence to standards addressing the sustainability of the organization, ethical principles, finances, staffing, education outreach, security and safety and other operational aspects. The Accreditation status also provides a clear and trusted means for the public, donors, and grantors to recognize Sunshine Horses as an exceptional organization.

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

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

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

About Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries
Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization dedicated to the sole purpose of strengthening and supporting the work of animal sanctuaries, rescues, and rehabilitation centers worldwide. The goal of GFAS in working with and assisting these animal care facilities is to ensure they are supported, honored, recognized and rewarded for meeting important criteria in providing care to the animals in residence. GFAS was

founded in 2007 by animal protection leaders from a number of different organizations in response to virtually unchecked and often hidden exploitation of animals for human entertainment and financial profit. The GFAS Board of Directors guides the organization’s work in a collaborative manner. While the board includes those in top leadership at

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Accreditation signifies that Hope’s Legacy Equine Rescue meets GFAS’s rigorous and peer-reviewed equine care standards which are confirmed by a comprehensive site visit. Accreditation also signifies adherence to standards addressing the sustainability of the organization, ethical principles, finances, staffing, education outreach, security and safety and other operational aspects. The Accreditation status also provides a clear and trusted means for the public, donors, and grantors to recognize Hope’s Legacy Equine Rescue as an exceptional organization.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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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