F.R.I.E.N.D.S (Florida Research Institute for Equine Nurturing, Development and Safety) is Accredited by Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries

FRIENDS Press ReleaseDecember 9, 2019 (Fort Lauderdale, FL) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Accredited status to Florida Research Institute for Equine Nurturing, Development and Safety (FRIENDS) as of December 3, 2019.

Accreditation signifies that FRIENDS 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 transition from Verified to Accredited status for F.R.I.E.N.D.S.,” said Daryl Tropea, Ph.D., GFAS Program Director-Equine. “Since the time of this group’s original Verification with GFAS, they have worked hard to develop tools toward greater organizational sustainability such as their detailed succession plan and comprehensive long-term strategic plan. Their extensive animal care manual is a model document for all sanctuaries. Although FRIENDS is recognized as a quarantine facility for inapparent carriers of EIA, they also provide sanctuary for animals with other long-term health care issues.”

“F.R.I.E.N.D.S. is honored to be a Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries Accredited Organization as it validates that F.R.I.E.N.D.S. meets the highest of standards with regard to animal care and wellbeing, as well as facility and management standards for both rescues and sanctuaries,“ said Robert (Bobby) Barwick, Director and President of F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Horse Rescue and Sanctuary.

“It also means we meet or exceed the required expectations and high standards that have been set for the operations aspect of a horse rescue as well as a sanctuary. I believe this honor affirms that all the hard work and efforts our members, volunteers and supporters have put into the organization and the animals is being commended, and every one of us feels very proud. This validation shows nothing is out of reach when two great organizations are working together! “

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 F.R.I.E.N.D.S.
F.R.I.E.N.D.S. is a Horse Rescue, Quarantine Facility and Sanctuary. Incorporated in 1987 as a nonprofit 501 (c)3 organization, F.R.I.E.N.D.S. is Broward County Florida’s oldest and largest Horse Rescue.  We have various interactive programs giving the community the opportunity to have a hands-on experience with horses and farm animals. We are always in need of volunteers, sponsors, new members and donations to support the needs of the horses. F.R.I.E.N.D.S. is operated solely by volunteers and has been since 1987. F.R.I.E.N.D.S. is and always will be a labor of love for those who love horses and other farm animals. F.R.I.E.N.D.S. accepts horses that have been abused, neglected, are in immediate need of assistance and carriers of EIA. We give a chance to horses that may not be able to be ridden but are otherwise healthy. We give the horses we accept the chance to be a horse again and offer them sanctuary to ensure they never end up in a bad situation again. For more information, visit us at www.eiahorses.org.

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