Horse Haven of Tennessee of Lenoir City, is Now Accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries

August 18, 2021 (Lenoir City, TN) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Accredited status to Horse Haven of Tennessee as of August 16, 2021.

Accreditation signifies that Horse Haven of TN 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. The Accreditation status also provides a clear and trusted means for the public, donors, and grantors to recognize Horse Haven of TN as an exceptional organization.

“We are very proud to announce the transition from Verified to Accredited status, for Horse Haven of TN,” said Daryl Tropea, Ph.D., GFAS Program Director-Equine. “Because most of their equines come from cruelty situations, Horse Haven of TN is dedicated to providing a healing and nurturing environment, so these equines find refuge in preparation for new and lasting homes. Their focus is helping equines that need them the most, those that have suffered greatly from neglect and abuse. And in this difficult work, they strive always to follow best practices of equine care and governance because these animals deserve no less when they enter a rescue organization’s care.  Horse Haven of TN is clearly devoted to sustainability ensuring that they will succeed in helping many equines in years to come.”

“Over the past 22 years, Horse Haven of Tennessee has worked very hard to earn the title of Tennessee’s premier equine welfare organization,” explained Nina Margetson, Executive Director of Horse Haven of Tennessee. “We do this by ensuring the organization’s long-term sustainability along with ethical transparency and accountability. Being Tennessee’s oldest and largest equine welfare organization, we feel it is our responsibility to be a shining example to others in the equine welfare community. We encourage accountability and stress the importance of that to all those that operate in this field. Collaboration with others across the state is what we feel will ensure the wellbeing of our horses in Tennessee.”

She continued, “We all should be striving to be the best we can which enables us to offer the horses that come through our barn doors a better future. Having GFAS Accreditation shows that Horse Haven of Tennessee is willing to achieve that extra level of accountability and willing to go the extra mile to ensure the ethical operation and devoted safety to the horses in our care. In 20 years, our hopes are that Horse Haven of Tennessee will still be standing strong and making a difference for our equine friends in Tennessee. With the support and guidance of GFAS, we don’t see that as a problem. We would like to encourage other equine welfare organizations in Tennessee to join us as a member of the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries.”

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 Horse Haven of Tennessee
Horse Haven of Tennessee’s mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home God’s neglected or abused horses through programs of shelter, adoption, education, and assistance. Our programs and activities fulfill our purpose statements: 1. Rescue equine from cruel or dangerous situations; 2. Provide shelter, care, rehabilitation and adoption for abused and neglected equine; 3. Assist law enforcement with the investigation of alleged cruelty/neglect of equine and the preparation of such cases for court; 4. Provide education/training for all who handle equine cruelty and neglect calls including other equine emergencies; 5. Educate equine owners on basic requirements of responsible ownership; 6. Heighten public awareness about equine abuse/neglect including advocating for animals who cannot speak for themselves.

Horse Haven of Tennessee provides assistance to local law enforcement and state agriculture investigators for cases of abuse and neglect on equine (Horses, Donkeys, Mules and Hinnies) at no cost to the counties. Many of the counties in Tennessee don’t have a holding facility for large animals like horses.

For more information, please visit at https://horsehaventn.org/

Download press release.