The Donkey Sanctuary of Canada of Ontario, becomes the first equine sanctuary Accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries in Canada

September 28, 2017 (Puslinch, ON) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Accredited status to The Donkey Sanctuary of Canada as of September 28, 2017.

Accreditation signifies that The Donkey Sanctuary of Canada 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, education outreach, security and safety and other operational aspects.

“We are very proud to announce the recent Accreditation of The Donkey Sanctuary of Canada, the first GFAS Accredited equine sanctuary facility in Canada,” said Valerie Taylor, GFAS Director of Accreditation – Equine. “The Donkey Sanctuary of Canada really provides a model for other equine sanctuaries to aspire to.  The exemplary life-long care provided to equines residing at The Donkey Sanctuary of Canada, coupled with the organization’s solid business practices and willingness to educate and involve the community on equine issues demonstrates their commitment to the responsible stewardship of all animals.”

“The Donkey Sanctuary of Canada (DSC) is thrilled to become accredited with the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries. This prestigious honor is reflective of the highest standard of care that the DSC practices with, and promotes for donkeys and donkey hybrids. Accreditation supports our deep commitment to the welfare of animals and we’re proud to be part of the GFAS community. We eagerly look forward to many years of collaboration with GFAS and its other members and stakeholders “said Lesley Bayne, Executive Director of The Donkey Sanctuary of Canada.

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 Donkey Sanctuary of Canada

​ The Donkey Sanctuary of Canada (DSC) is a registered Canadian charity that, since 1992, has been a refuge for donkeys.  Our mission is to provide a lifelong home to donkeys, mules and hinnies that are unwanted, neglected or abused, or whose owners can no longer care for them; and to promote the responsible stewardship of all animals through humane education.  We envision a world in which the dignity and worth of all creatures are recognized and respected.

We grant to every animal admitted:

• Peace, freedom and protection
• The best possible care and medical attention
• The right of life regardless of age or condition
• A dignified, peaceful death, induced only in the event of extreme suffering and the loss of quality of life

We work to uphold the Five Freedoms:

1. Freedom from hunger and thirst
2. Freedom from discomfort
3. Freedom from pain
4. Freedom to express normal behavior
5. Freedom from fear and distress

The Donkey Sanctuary of Canada is located at 6981 Concession 4, Puslinch, ON, N0B 2J0, Canada. If you would like more information, please contact our office at 1-519-836-1697 or visit our website at www.thedonkeysanctuary.ca.

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.

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