Star Gazing Farm Animal Sanctuary of Boyds, Maryland is Verified by Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries

November 23, 2020 (Boyds, MD) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Verified status to Star Gazing Farm Animal Sanctuary as of November 9, 2020.

Verification means that Star Gazing Farm Sanctuary meets the criteria of a true farmed animal sanctuary 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 Star Gazing Farm as an exceptional organization.

“We are proud to announce the recent Verification of Star Gazing Farm Animal Sanctuary, an organization dedicated to providing a permanent home for farm animals,” said Daryl Tropea, Ph.D., GFAS Program Director. “Star Gazing Farm provides a unique environment for many animals with special needs. All resident animals comingle in a shared common area but also have access to separate enclosures as needed. Anne, the Executive Director, is a shearer who has dedicated herself to this skill, and now travels the country teaching others how to shear in a humane, respectful, and efficient way. This organization is deeply committed to best practices in the care they provide animals and in sanctuary management.”

“For several years now, we have observed and worked towards the standards put forth by GFAS, and finally this year we got up the nerve to apply!” said Anne Shroeder, Executive Director of Star Gazing Farm. “Although our sanctuary is small, we want to be an inspiration to others who look to us for an example in animal care and we want to offer the very best to each and every animal.  GFAS has helped us to identify the many and complex pieces of running a sanctuary and we are so honored to receive their Verification.”

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 Star Gazing Farm Animal Sanctuary
Star Gazing Farm is a farm animal sanctuary that provides a permanent home for stray, neglected, and unwanted farm animals and offers a secure and enjoyable environment in which people can learn about their humane care.

Among our primary activities are:   a hands-on work-based educational program for youth; running an active network with animal control, other sanctuaries, and small farms that places unwanted and stray farm animals in loving homes; and animal services offered to the community such as house rabbit boarding and sheep & alpaca shearing.

For more information, please visit http://www.stargazingfarm.org.