The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries and rescue organizations, has awarded Accredited status to seven additional farms of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation. These new accreditations come less than 8 months after the TRF received the recognition for two of its farms in Florida and Virginia. The newly accredited farms include Blackburn Second Chances, Chestnut Hall and Nash Sanctuary Farms in Kentucky, Vandalia Second Chances in Illinois, and Wateree Second Chances, as well as Wheeler and Lowder Sanctuary farms in South Carolina.
The TRF will seek accreditation for all of the remaining farms over the next year.
Accreditation signifies that Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation's additional seven facilities meet GFAS's rigorous and peer-reviewed equine care standards which are confirmed by comprehensive site visits. 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 facilities of TRF are exceptional organizations.
“We continue to be proud to announce the Accreditation of these additional seven 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 nearly 500 horses resides in two types of facilities/programs. The 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 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.”
“We are so grateful to GFAS for working side by side with the TRF to achieve our goal of having all TRF farms accredited and ensuring that we are meeting the highest standards of care and best practices” said Pat Stickney, Executive Director. “We are committed to providing a happy, safe and healthy environment for the nearly 500 Thoroughbreds under our care”.
The GFAS Standards of Excellence were initially developed and reviewed with the input of animal services officers, non-profit professionals, sanctuary managers, animal protection advocates, and veterinarians utilizing existing standards from outstanding sanctuaries as a starting framework and refined/expanded upon based on knowledge and expertise of contributors.
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/
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