Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals of Maine Is Accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries

August 4, 2017 (South Windham, ME) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Accredited status to Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals as of August 3, 2017.

Accreditation signifies that Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals 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, educational outreach, security and safety and other operational aspects.

“We are proud to announce the recent Accreditation of Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals,” said Valerie Taylor, GFAS Director of Accreditation – Equine. “Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals’ status as New England’s preferred placement for equines-in-need demonstrates the organization’s commitment to providing rescue and rehabilitation services to equines throughout the local community.  Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals is the only GFAS Accredited equine organization in that state; the organization’s solid business plans and strategic vision ensure them to be a leader in their field for years to come.”

“Having GFAS accreditation is extremely satisfying.  The application process was substantial and thorough, the standards the MSSPA was required to meet were high – as they should be – and we are proud to have the recognition of GFAS accreditation that funders and foundation grant makers rely upon.  Accreditation by this internationally respected organization helps assure those who support the Society’s farm that their gifts are being used to benefit the animals in a sensible, ethical manner. “said Meris J. Bickford, Esq., CEO of Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals.

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 Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals

The mission of the Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals is to provide refuge, rehabilitation, and placement of seized equines; support the placement of surrenders, and educate the public. The vision is the elimination of equine abuse and neglect.  The organization’s major goals are providing for those animals placed into its care, to help reduce the incidence of abuse through humane education and support of public policy initiatives that improve animals’ quality of life.  For more information about Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals, call 207-892-3040, or visit https://www.msspa.org/ .

About the ASPCA®

Founded in 1866, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) is the first humane organization established in the Americas and serves as the nation’s leading voice for animal welfare. One million supporters strong, the ASPCA’s mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, the ASPCA is a national leader in the areas of anti-cruelty, community outreach and animal health services. The ASPCA, which is headquartered in New York City, offers a wide range of programs, including a mobile clinic outreach initiative, its own humane law enforcement team, and a groundbreaking veterinary forensics team and mobile animal CSI unit. For more information, please visit www.aspca.org. To become a fan of the ASPCA on Facebook, go to http://www.facebook.com/aspca. To follow the ASPCA on Twitter, go to http://www.twitter.com/aspca.

Download the press release here.