Category: Latest News

April 27, 2021, (Buchanan, 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 New Freedom Farm as of April 20, 2021.

Accreditation signifies that New Freedom Farm 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 New Freedom Farm as an exceptional organization.

“We are very proud to announce the Accreditation of New Freedom Farm,” said Daryl Tropea, Ph.D., GFAS Program Director-Equine. “This organization is dedicated to providing a safe and healthy environment for Veterans, First Responders, and in-need equines, particularly Mustangs, to support opportunities for both humans and horses to work through anxiety and trauma. This worthy organization also offers unique services such as their Honor Guard, giving back to the community for their military service and sacrifices.”

“We are honored to announce New Freedom Farm is the first Veteran and Mustang organization in history to receive the prestigious Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries Accreditation,” declared Lois Fritz, Executive Director and Founder of New Freedom Farm. She continued, “I literally started the process of applying for the GFAS accreditation on June 26, 2018, it became overwhelming, and I set it aside. On June 17, 2020 we had a flash flood, and an advisor to our board Gillian Deegan suggested I have a policy and procedure in place for disaster situations.  It was then when I decided I wanted to follow the gold standards of care for animals.  I wanted to be sure that not only our equine residents but also New Freedom Farm as an organization would enjoy the benefits of being guided by the highest standards. An accreditation from the GFAS means that we meet or exceed the rigorous peer-reviewed standards of excellence they set forth.   I would like to thank Daryl Tropea from GFAS, Gillian Deegan, advisor to the board, the board of New Freedom Farm, the veterans, volunteers, and supporters of New Freedom Farm for all of the hard work that went into achieving this accreditation.   Although we have reached our goal of Accreditation, we will continue to develop our facility, programs, and protocols to reach ever higher in our mission to heal our American Icons: the wild mustangs.”

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 New Freedom Farm
New Freedom Farm is a non-profit community farm located in Buchanan, Virginia. We exist to aid veterans with PTSD, Substance Abuse, and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) by using the therapeutic activity of interacting with our equines, farming, and peer-to-peer support. The end goal is to personally empower veterans and help them heal through the realization of their own efforts and contributions.

New Freedom Farm’s mission is “healing heroes through horses.” Oftentimes, veterans develop deep friendships through equine activity and gentling, fostering physical, emotional, and spiritual health, which helps with reintegration into civilian life. Veterans and their families in pursuit of our mission are always welcome at New Freedom Farm.

The program at New Freedom Farm is unstructured and works with a peer-to-peer camaraderie. Our heroes also have an option to engage with equines from wild mustangs to rescued horses. New Freedom Farm is a substance free facility. Our founder is a US Navy veteran and shares her experience, strength, and hope with fellow veterans. The end goal is to personally empower our heroes and help them heal through the realizations of their own efforts. Saving one hero, one day at a time. For more information, please visit: www.newfreedomfarm.org.

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March 3, 2021 (Montague, NJ) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Accredited status to Tamerlaine Animal Sanctuary & Preserve as of March 1, 2021.

Accreditation signifies that Tamerlaine Animal Sanctuary & Preserve 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 Tamerlaine Sanctuary as an exceptional organization.

“We are very proud to announce the Accreditation of Tamerlaine Animal Sanctuary & Preserve,” said Daryl Tropea, Ph.D., GFAS Program Director. “This Sanctuary provides the highest quality of care and enrichment for more than 250 animals of many species on 336 acres of beautiful farmland. In addition to providing a safe haven for animals, Tamerlaine’s founders and directors are committed to preserving this environment and creating habitats for wildlife on the property such as a pollinator garden. Humane education for children and adults is a priority and as travel restrictions lift, opportunities for the public to visit and learn will expand.”

“We are incredibly honored to announce that we, Tamerlaine Sanctuary & Preserve, are the first animal sanctuary in New Jersey to receive the prestigious Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) Accreditation,” said Gabrielle Stubbert, Co-Founder of Tamerlaine Sanctuary. “We could not be prouder of our entire staff for their incredible dedication and hard work. The care and pride that they bring with them to their job every day at the Sanctuary is unmistakable. Our team works collectively to make sure the highest level of care is met, not only for our animal residents, but for the organization as well. An accreditation from the GFAS means that we meet or exceed the rigorous peer-reviewed standards of excellence they set forth.”

Gabrielle Stubbert continued, “For a younger non-profit as ourselves, it was important for us to apply for the GFAS accreditation. We knew if we could meet their criteria, we would be doing everything in our power to make sure that our organization would be sustainable, ethical, financially sound, and a leader in exceptional animal care.”

“We are so grateful for the guidance of the GFAS team, especially Daryl Tropea. She was a committed mentor during our extensive application process. We extend our greatest thanks to GFAS for the recognition and for designating Tamerlaine Sanctuary & Preserve as an accredited sanctuary in the worldwide effort to provide a safe haven for animals in need. “

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 Tamerlaine Animal Sanctuary & Preserve
Tamerlaine Animal Sanctuary & Preserve’s four-part mission is;

CARING for abused and neglected farmed animals.

CONSERVING the land for our native wildlife.

EDUCATING about animal protection and environmental ethics.

ADVOCATING for a compassionate society.

For more information, please visit: Tamerlaine Sanctuary & Preserve

Download the press release here.

February 2, 2021 (Spokane, WA) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Accredited status to River’s Wish Animal Sanctuary as of January 29, 2021.

River’s Wish Animal Sanctuary first achieved Verification status by GFAS July 27, 2020, meeting criteria for providing humane and responsible care to animals.  With dedication and commitment to demonstrating high levels of professionalism, River’s Wish Animal Sanctuary has now achieved Accredited status. Accreditation signifies that River’s Wish Animal Sanctuary meets GFAS’s rigorous and peer-reviewed farmed animal care standards that are confirmed by a site visit and has also demonstrated adherence to standards addressing the sustainability of the organization, ethical principles, finances, staffing, education outreach, security, safety, and other operational aspects. The Accreditation status also provides a clear and trusted means for the public, donors, and grantors to recognize River’s Wish Animal Sanctuary as an exceptional organization.

“We are excited to announce the recent Accreditation of River’s Wish Animal Sanctuary,” said Daryl Tropea, Ph.D., GFAS Program Director. “We are always encouraged by organizations that complete the Verification process and then, with determination, continue on to meet the requirements of Accreditation. This is clearly the mark of an organization that is committed to best practices and dedicated to providing the highest quality of care for their 140 resident animals which include rabbits, equines, cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, birds, dogs, and cats.”

“We are so honored to be recognized as an accredited organization by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries,” said Kit Jagoda, Executive Director of River’s Wish Animal Sanctuary. “It is not uncommon for farmed animals to receive minimal regard or protection, making GFAS even more vital in establishing and maintaining policies and standards of care. Our dedicated and compassionate volunteer community works hard to ensure the well-being of the animals and to provide them with a loving environment. We are committed to long term sustainability while meeting our mission of saving lives through rescue, education and advocacy. Working with the GFAS has been and will continue to be a central guiding factor for growth and sustainability.”

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 River’s Wish Animal Sanctuary
The mission of River’s Wish Animal Sanctuary is to save lives through rescue, education and advocacy. River’s Wish provides refuge to animals in need through rescue, rehabilitation, adoption, and lifelong sanctuary. We offer Sanctuary Based Education through Art and Animal workshops, Garden to Table workshops, Compassion for Animals and Compassionate Living workshops. We are House Rabbit Society educators. River’s Wish is home to equines, bovines, sheep, goats, pigs, rabbits, dogs, cats, chickens, turkeys, geese and ducks. River’s Wish is located in Eastern Washington on 65 acres adjacent to Riverside State Park and has been involved in rescue and sanctuary since 1994. For more information, please visit, www.riverswishanimalsanctuary.org.

Download press release here.

December 16, 2020 (Lima, NY) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Accredited status to Begin Again Horse Rescue (BAHR) as of November 3, 2020.

Begin Again Horse Rescue first achieved GFAS Verification in November 2017, meeting criteria for providing humane and responsible care to equines. With dedication and commitment to demonstrating high levels of professionalism, Begin Again Horse Rescue has now achieved Accredited status. Accreditation signifies that BAHR 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 Begin Again Horse Rescue as an exceptional organization.

“We are very proud to announce, during their 11th year anniversary, the transition from Verified to Accredited status for Begin Again Horse Rescue,” said Daryl Tropea, Ph.D., GFAS Program Director-Equine. “BAHR’s team of volunteers are dedicated to providing only the best rehabilitation and retraining services for horses coming from many different but difficult situations. Successful “permanent lease” homes are found for almost all equines that enter their program no matter what special needs these horses may have. The determination with which this organization worked to achieve Accreditation is inspiration for us all.”

“To say that we are excited to be Accredited by the GFAS would be a huge understatement,” stated Harriett Rubins, Executive Director of Begin Again Horse Rescue. “It has been our goal since GFAS was formed. We have come such a long way since our own inception eleven years ago and much of our development came as a result of following the GFAS Guidelines. Thank you for your support toward those ends. Although we have reached our goal of Accreditation, we will continue to develop our facility, programs, and protocols to reach ever higher in our mission to help at-risk horses. We are a small rescue, but we are dedicated and determined to be the best we can be, caring for equines in our program so that they never again experience hardships.”

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 Begin Again Horse Rescue
Our mission is to provide a safe environment for unwanted, neglected and “at risk” horses in order to prevent as many as possible from suffering or going to slaughter. We rehabilitate them when possible and find “permanent lease” homes for them. We also promote non-cruelty to animals by focusing efforts on raising awareness and providing information to the public concerning the nature and proper care of horses, and the plight these animals face.

Begin Again Horse Rescue, Inc. is a temporary place of rest and recuperation for horses found to be neglected or abused. Located in Lima, New York, our founding members have many years invested in the care and well being of their own animals. We DO NOT sell horses, but facilitate the rescue, rehabilitation and adoption of those animals in our care. We strive to find as many loving, informed homes for as many horses as possible. We are 100% volunteer run and operate solely on donations. We will accept horses in any condition, when space allows, who are surrendered by private owners, through county animal control facilities, and by purchasing kill-pen horses from livestock auctions. We focus our attention on horses within a two hour radius the farm. For more information, please visit https://www.beginagainrescue.org.

Download press release.

November 23, 2020 (Boyds, MD) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Verified status to Star Gazing Farm Animal Sanctuary as of November 9, 2020.

Verification means that Star Gazing Farm 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 Star Gazing Farm as an exceptional organization.

“We are proud to announce the recent Verification of Star Gazing Farm Animal Sanctuary, an organization dedicated to providing a permanent home for farm animals,” said Daryl Tropea, Ph.D., GFAS Program Director. “Star Gazing Farm provides a unique environment for many animals with special needs. All resident animals comingle in a shared common area but also have access to separate enclosures as needed. Anne, the Executive Director, is a shearer who has dedicated herself to this skill, and now travels the country teaching others how to shear in a humane, respectful, and efficient way. This organization is deeply committed to best practices in the care they provide animals and in sanctuary management.”

“For several years now, we have observed and worked towards the standards put forth by GFAS, and finally this year we got up the nerve to apply!” said Anne Shroeder, Executive Director of Star Gazing Farm. “Although our sanctuary is small, we want to be an inspiration to others who look to us for an example in animal care and we want to offer the very best to each and every animal.  GFAS has helped us to identify the many and complex pieces of running a sanctuary and we are so honored to receive their Verification.”

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 Star Gazing Farm Animal Sanctuary
Star Gazing Farm is a farm animal sanctuary that provides a permanent home for stray, neglected, and unwanted farm animals and offers a secure and enjoyable environment in which people can learn about their humane care.

Among our primary activities are:   a hands-on work-based educational program for youth; running an active network with animal control, other sanctuaries, and small farms that places unwanted and stray farm animals in loving homes; and animal services offered to the community such as house rabbit boarding and sheep & alpaca shearing.

For more information, please visit http://www.stargazingfarm.org.

November 20, 2020 (Duncan, BC) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Accredited status to A Home for Hooves Farm Sanctuary Foundation (HFH) as of  November 18, 2020. This is the first farm animal sanctuary in Canada to be Accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries.

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

“We are proud to announce the Accreditation of A Home for Hooves Farm Sanctuary Foundation,” said Daryl Tropea, Ph.D. GFAS Program Director. “Michelle and her team ensure the highest level of humane and responsible care for every resident animal. Their animals, some who have special needs, enjoy natural and safe habitats with bushes to hide and mud holes to wallow. Although this is a fairly young organization, A Home for Hooves has been committed to providing best practices in care, governance and sanctuary management from their beginning.”

“Accreditation increases transparency and gives the public peace of mind knowing that their support is going to an upstanding and reputable organization based on a formal process that requires us to meet or exceed specific quality assurance standards,” explained Michelle Singleton, President of A Home for Hooves Farm Sanctuary.  “It ensures our Sanctuary is meeting objective standards to foster a culture of quality and safety for the animals in our care and for the people who are part of our community.  Accreditation is important since there is no formal criteria that must be met or demonstrated for an organization to refer to themselves as a “Sanctuary”.  Being accountable to an outside authority has helped us advance our planning policies and identify areas that may require change and improvement.  This was a voluntary process that A Home for Hooves sought out as an opportunity for growth in order to ensure we are meeting international standards and providing the best quality of care for our residents.”

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 A Home for Hooves Farm Animal Sanctuary
We are a volunteer run non-profit organization registered with the BC Government that offers a forever home for rescued and abandoned farm animals in Duncan BC.  Our sanctuary was founded in September 2017 and we are the second official farm sanctuary on Vancouver Island.  We currently have over 60 residents at A Home for Hooves including pigs, goats, chickens, ducks, turkeys, dogs, guinea pigs and cats.  We ensure all our animals are provided with the best care and a good quality home where they are able to live out their natural lives. We strive to promote the welfare of animals for the benefit of the public by rescuing and providing care for stray, abandoned, abused, or surrendered animals, and operation of an animal adoption program.  We aim to advance education for the public by providing workshops, seminars, classes, and presentations on animal practices, rescue, and care.

We have over 25 volunteers that help us with the everyday care of the animals, social media, graphic design and event planning.  We are incredibly fortunate to have so many dedicated and wonderful volunteers because they are the reason our Sanctuary runs smoothly, and our animals are well cared for. For more information, please visit http://www.ahomeforhoovesfarmsanctuary.com/

November 17, 2020 (Wernersville, PA) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Verified status to Holy Spirit Farm and Horse Sanctuary as of November 13, 2020.

Verification means that Holy Spirit Farm 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 Holy Spirit Farm and Horse Sanctuary as an exceptional organization.

“We are proud to announce the recent Verification of Holy Spirit Farm and Horse Sanctuary,” said Daryl Tropea, Ph.D., GFAS Program Director-Equine. “Holy Spirit Farm is dedicated to helping elderly and special needs horses but also has a robust adoption program. Their array of educational activities focuses on the wellbeing of both the horse and the human. In addition to providing excellent care, this organization is committed to management best practices.”

“To us, being verified through GFAS is a giant leap in our credentials as a sanctuary,” said Deana Reedy, President of Holy Spirit Farm and Horse Sanctuary. “Being a part of such a large network of individuals all working towards similar goals is an inspiring challenge. Not only must we maintain our standards, but also push on a daily basis to do better for the animals in our care, and those yet to come. We look forward to working towards accreditation and are thrilled to be verified within this fantastic network.”

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 Holy Spirit Farm and Horse Sanctuary
At Holy Spirit Farm Horse Sanctuary, the well-being of both horses and people is first and foremost. Our programs and activities are designed to be a catalyst that helps community members reach their goals and fulfill their potential, while also providing a refuge for horses in need of a soft landing. Learn more about the positive impact we have and join us in bringing about positive change. For more information, visit https://www.holyspiritfarmhorsesanctuary.com/

Download Verification press release.

November 12, 2020 (Saratoga Springs, NY) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries and rescue organizations, awarded Accredited status to the TRF Second Chances Program at the Lowell Correctional Institution in Florida, and the Eastham Sanctuary Farm in Virginia, both programs of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF).

Accreditation signifies that Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation’s two facilities meet 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 that these two facilities of TRF are exceptional organizations.

“We are very proud to announce the Accreditation of the first two facilities of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation’s Second Chances Programs and Sanctuary Farms,” said Daryl Tropea, Ph.D., GFAS Program Director-Equine. “The mission of TRF is to help Thoroughbred horses that are no longer able to compete at racetracks. The TRF herd of more than 500 horses resides in two types of facilities/programs. The TRF Second Chances Programs are located at correctional facilities where inmates participate in vocational training in equine care and stable management. For those horses not suited for the TRF Second Chances Programs or adoption because of health care requirements, they are provided quality lifetime sanctuary at one of the Sanctuary Farms. In addition to providing excellent care to the horses, TRF is committed to management best practices and thoughtful strategic planning ensuring sustainability for future years.”  The TRF continues to work with GFAS to obtain accreditation for all of its farms.

“We are honored to be accredited by this highly regarded organization,” said Pat Stickney, Executive Director of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation. “It has long been a goal of the TRF to obtain GFAS accreditation and we’re grateful to our Program Development Manager, Chelsea O’Reilly, and the staff at GFAS for working collaboratively to bring this accreditation to fruition. The TRF strives for the highest standards of care and best practices and the GFAS accreditation gives our donors confidence that their support is helping to provide our Thoroughbreds with the level of care they so deserve.”

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

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

About the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation
Founded in 1983, the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation is a national organization devoted to saving Thoroughbred horses no longer able to compete at the racetrack from possible neglect, abuse and slaughter. As the oldest Thoroughbred rescue in the country, the TRF provides sanctuary to retired Thoroughbreds throughout their lifetime. Best known for its pioneering TRF Second Chances program, the organization provides incarcerated individuals with vocational training through its accredited equine care and stable management program. At six correctional facilities across the country this program offers second careers to its horses and a second chance at life for inmates upon release from prison.

TRF cares for more than 500 rescued and retired Thoroughbreds at TRF Second Chances prison farms and Sanctuary Farms across the country.  The organization is funded entirely by private donations.  The TRF is accredited by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and has a Platinum rating with Guide Star. For more information visit: http://www.trfinc.org/

Download press release.

October 16, 2020 (Plant City, FL) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Accredited status to RVR Horse Rescue as of October 13, 2020.

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

“We are very proud to announce the transition from Verified to Accredited status, for RVR Horse Rescue,” said Daryl Tropea, Ph.D., GFAS Program Director-Equine. “RVR Horse Rescue’s team of volunteers is quite possibly the most professional, dedicated and committed team of individuals that I have had the pleasure to meet. Their focus is helping equines that need them the most, those that have suffered greatly from neglect and abuse. And in this difficult work, they strive always to follow best practices of equine care and governance because these animals deserve no less when they enter a rescue organization’s care.”

“RVR Horse Rescue is honored to be a GFAS Accredited Organization,” said Shawn Jayroe, Founder and President of RVR Horse Rescue. “It announces to the world that RVR Horse Rescue meets the best standards of horse care and non-profit management and gives our supporters confidence that their donations are saving horses from abuse,
neglect, or injury. GFAS also opens doors for RVR to collaborate with peer organizations in the pursuit of animal welfare.”

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 RVR Horse Rescue
RVR Horse Rescue is a registered 501 (c) (3) Non Profit organization in Plant City, Florida. An all-volunteer organization,its mission statement is “ RVR Horse Rescue harnesses the power of volunteers to rescue, rehabilitate, and re-home horses that have suffered abuse, neglect or injury.” RVR specializes in taking in the worst cases, working across the state with law enforcement agencies and other rescues to free horses from abuse and neglect. RVR’s experience in healing injuries makes it an ideal rehabilitation facility for Thoroughbreds whose racing career ends due to injury. RVR is committed to its community, offering the educational outreach program C.L.E.A.R, (Care, Learn, Educate, Act, Rescue), a safety net called RVR Angels, and a program to offer veterans respite from PTSD. For more information, visit us at https://rvrhorserescue.org.

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