Accreditation establishes high standards of credibility and recognition for global sanctuaries

January 8, 2010 (Glenville, PA) – Today the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, announced Angel Acres Horse Haven Rescue became the second equine rescue and sanctuary accredited to its standards and, thereby, recognized by GFAS,  joining Habitat for Horses of Texas in attaining equine accreditation.  The accreditation signifies the official implementation of clear and respected international standards for the public, donors and government agencies to recognize credible sanctuaries that adhere to the true mission of providing safe haven and humane care for abused animals.

“It is a privilege to bring this well-deserved recognition to Angel Acres Horse Haven Rescue.  This facility represents what sanctuaries and rescues are intended to be, and our accreditation assures donors that this organization deserves their support,” said Adam Roberts, President of the GFAS Board of Directors and Senior Vice President of Born Free USA.

Angel Acres Horse Haven Rescue, dedicated to saving horses bound for slaughter for human consumption, earned its GFAS accreditation after being certified as adhering to the GFAS standards for sanctuary operations, administration and veterinary and equine care.  Trained GFAS verifiers made onsite visits to the sanctuary to analyze its operations, the animals’ health and the quality of the sanctuary grounds.  Angel Acres Horse Haven Rescue also completed a rigorous written application process, including sending copies of key documents, policies and financial statements to GFAS for an analysis by the accreditation committee, which includes two veterinarians.

“When I first learned the horrors of horse slaughter, I knew I had to do something. When adopting my first horse as an adult, I accidently found out about slaughter and decided to start Angel Acres. Now, we have saved and adopted out more than 250 once slaughter bound horses. We are honored to be accredited by GFAS.  The accreditation will assist us in promoting our mission and will help in savings the lives of even more horses,” said Jo Deibel, Founder of Angel Acres. Angel Acres Horse Haven Rescue was founded in 2004 and is a 501©3 nonprofit organization chartered by the State of Pennsylvania.

A flagship program of Angel Acres Horse Haven Rescue is Mattie’s Legacy Fund.  Funds are used to save horses from slaughter and to assist local horse owners in urgent need of assistance with hay, grain or farrier care. As the fund grows, so will the geographic outreach of this innovative program that helps private owners for the short term, so that horses are saved from relinquishment or worse.

“We are exceptionally proud to work with Angel Acres Horse Haven.  We expect to only see this organization gain in national reputation and outreach, especially through its Mattie’s Legacy Fund.  The GFAS accreditation will further strengthen its credibility and reputation with the public and donors,” said Patty Finch, GFAS Executive Director.

For additional information on GFAS, please visit www.sanctuaryfederation.org.  For additional information on Angel Acres Horse Haven Rescue, please visit www.saveahorsenow.org.

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 in the United States and abroad.  The goal of GFAS in working with and assisting sanctuaries 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 hidden animal exploitation of animals for human entertainment and financial profit.  These founding leaders sit on the GFAS Board of Directors to continue guiding the organization’s work in a collaborative manner.  They represent top leadership from Born Free USA, The Humane Society of the United States, World Society for the Protection of Animals, American Anti-Vivisection Society, and  International Fund for Animal Welfare.