Draft Gratitude of Winchester, New Hampshire is Verified by Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries

January 29, 2020 (Winchester, NH) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Verified status to Draft Gratitude as of January 16, 2020.

Verification means that Draft Gratitude meets the criteria of a true equine sanctuary/rescue and is providing humane and responsible care of the animals. To be awarded Verified status, an organization must meet GFAS’s rigorous and peer-reviewed animal care standards which are confirmed by a site visit and they must also adhere to a demanding set of ethical and operational principles. The Verification status also provides a clear and trusted means for the public, donors and grantors to recognize Draft Gratitude as an exceptional organization.

“We are excited to announce the recent Verification of Draft Gratitude,” said Daryl Tropea Ph.D., GFAS Program Director-Equine. “Draft Gratitude provides quality health care and rehabilitation to a special population of aged working horses. Draft horses are still used for work in farming communities throughout many of the north eastern states.  Their large size can be challenging for many rescues to accommodate, this is one of the reasons why Draft Gratitude will only take in drafts.  Once rehabilitated, these draft horses make wonderful companions for people interested in intelligent, levelheaded horses capable of light riding or pleasure driving.”

“The GFAS Verification is important to us for two specific reasons.  The first reason is because our donors trust the work that our organization is doing.  We don’t take that trust lightly. This verification shows our commitment to transparency.  The second reason this was important to us is because it was a phenomenal exercise in thinking about and planning for Draft Gratitude’s future. I am grateful and honored that Draft Gratitude earned this verification.  This is a commitment to a very special group of horses, namely aged working horses.  They have earned the right to a safe retirement and we intend to provide just that for as many as we can,” said Rebecca Roy, Draft Gratitude Executive Director.

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 Draft Gratitude
Draft Gratitude, established in 2014, is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization dedicated to saving the lives of unwanted draft horses.  Their primary focus is on aged working horses. Once rescued, the draft horses are rehabilitated and will either be available for adoption or stay in sanctuary safely for the rest of their days.

Draft Gratitude hosts an open barn visiting day the first Saturday of each month from 10am-12pm.  Other visiting times are by appointment only.  Learn more about Draft Gratitude, its mission, and opportunities to help unwanted draft horses at www.draftgratitude.com.

Download press release here.