October 27, 2009

International Animal Protection Group identifies highest standards of care in rescue facilities

Hitchcock, Texas, October 27, 2009/PR Newswire/ -- Habitat for Horses (HfH) announced today its accreditation by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) after undergoing a rigorous process to identify rescue groups who are providing animals with the highest standards of care. GFAS was formed in 2007 by leaders in the animal protection community to recognize and work with the rescue and sanctuary realm in all parts of the world, spot-lighting the legitimate, outstanding work of rescues.

Habitat for Horses, founded in 1998, is one of the largest equine protection organizations in the country, with supporters in every state and around the world.  Despite being well-known in both the equine and humane communities, accreditation by GFAS takes the level of awareness surrounding rescue and all its inherent ramifications to another level. 

“We are especially pleased to be working with Habitat for Horses,” explains Patty Finch, GFAS executive director, “because their success in working with law enforcement demonstrates another important role that sanctuaries play. Law enforcement doesn’t like to rescue animals from horrible situations if there is no place for those animals to be placed. By creating safe havens, sanctuaries make it more attractive to law enforcement to take action in cruelty cases.”

During the excitement of receiving this recognition, Habitat for Horses is continuing to look at other ways to help within the rescue community.  As the first equine facility in the United States to receive this accreditation, Habitat for Horses hopes to be able to mentor other horse rescues and sanctuaries through the same process. 
When a group like GFAS works to ensure that potential donors have the certainty of accreditation, it makes giving easier at any level, says Jerry Finch, founder of Habitat for Horses. 

“Whether it is someone who is thinking of fostering a horse who needs a place to stay and heal or a corporate entity who endorses and supports a charitable cause, in the end, it is the animals who are helped in every way,” says Finch. 

As GFAS is able to shine a light on outstanding sanctuaries worldwide, the rescues and sanctuaries can do the difficult and dedicated work of providing animals with the highest standards of humane care, free of any form of further exploitation.

About Habitat for Horses
Habitat for Horses (HfH) is a not-for-profit equine protection agency committed to the prevention, rescue and rehabilitation of neglected and abused horses. The largest organization of its kind in North America, HfH operates a rehabilitation ranch in Hitchcock, Texas, as well as a growing network of foster homes throughout the southeastern United States. The organization has taken a leadership role in horse protection issues and has been instrumental in developing nd promoting legislation to eliminate the slaughter of American horses.  For more information on Habitat for Horses, visit www.habitatforhorses.org

About GFAS
The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) was formed in 2007 by nationally and globally recognized leaders in the animal protection field for the sole purpose of strengthening and supporting the work of animal sanctuaries in the United States and abroad. GFAS has created a rigorous accreditation process to identify rescue facilities/sanctuaries that are providing animals the highest standards of care, conducting a thorough evaluation of sanctuary structure and governance, finances, community outreach, education, staffing, physical facilities, advocacy, security/safety, the veterinary medical program and specific animal care standards. GFAS is the first animal sanctuary accrediting organization to take on this task at an international level. GFAS also educates the public on the causes and conditions of displaced animals and solutions, and the compelling need to actively support accredited sanctuaries. Learn more about GFAS at www.sanctuaryfederation.org.