Catskill Animal Sanctuary of New York Earns Accreditation by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries

September 14, 2015 (Saugerties, NY) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, has awarded GFAS Accreditation to Catskill Animal Sanctuary (CAS) in Saugerties, New York as of September 10, 2015.

Accreditation signifies that Catskill Animal Sanctuary meets GFAS’s rigorous and peer-reviewed equine and 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 also provides a clear and trusted means for the public, donors, and government agencies to recognize Catskill Animal Sanctuary as an exceptional sanctuary.

“Established in 2001, Catskill Animal Sanctuary provides a safe and nurturing haven nestled in the Hudson Valley for more than 300 farmed animals and horses including pigs, goats, sheep and chickens,” said Daryl Tropea, GFAS Senior Deputy. “Every animal has a story such as Joseph; a duck found living in a cage in New York City during a drug raid. Joseph now lives as a duck should, in a natural enclosure with several other ducks. Not only does CAS provide excellent care for these animals, but they also are leaders in raising awareness of farmed animal welfare issues. Their dedication to the welfare of all animals is undeniable.”

Kathy Stevens, the founder and director of Catskill Animal Sanctuary, is the author of two popular and critically acclaimed books about the work of CAS, Where the Blind Horse Sings and Animal Camp. She is a regular blogger on veganism and farmed animal issues for the Huffington Post and contributes to many books and articles. Kathy presents her message of “kindness to all” at conferences, colleges and community organizations. She lives on the grounds of CAS with Chumbley and Annie, two rescued dogs.

“We are thrilled with the news that GFAS has moved ahead with accrediting Catskill Animal Sanctuary!” said Kathy Stevens. “To have our property, practices, policies and procedures so thoroughly reviewed and given the thumbs-up by GFAS is not only an honor – it’s also a tribute to the scores of good people who work so tirelessly for our vision of a compassionate world for all beings.  Further, while we certainly don’t know all of the GFAS accredited sanctuaries, we do know a good number of them, and are delighted to be in such esteemed company.”

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 worldwide. 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 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. They represent top leadership from Born Free USA, The Humane Society of the United States, International Fund for Animal Welfare, American Anti-Vivisection Society, and National Anti-Vivisection Society. For additional information on GFAS, please visit localhost.

About Catskill Animal Sanctuary
Nonhuman animals have a right to live their lives free of suffering and exploitation by humans.  Catskill Animal Sanctuary exists to provide them with love and safety until they do.

The Sanctuary is a 110-acre refuge in New York’s Hudson Valley for twelve species of farmed animals rescued from cruelty, neglect, and abandonment. Over 3,500 animals have been rescued since its founding in 2001; between 250 and 350 reside with us at any given time.

We believe that looking an animal in the eye and seeing someone — not something — looking back is one of the most profound shifts human beings can make in their understanding of the world and their place in it. And so we welcome visitors through tours, overnight stays, events, and a children’s camp.

As the very best way to end animal suffering, improve our health, and heal our ailing planet, Catskill Animal Sanctuary advocates veganism and provides support and encouragement through our culinary program.

We’d love for you to visit us. Learn more at casanctuary.org/tours.

Download press release here.