Wild at Heart Horse Rescue in Lancaster, California is Verified by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries

December 22, 2021 (Lancaster, CA) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Verified status to Wild at Heart Horse Rescue as of December 2, 2021.

Verification means that Wild at Heart Horse Rescue 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 Wild at Heart as an exceptional organization.

“We are proud to announce the recent Verification of Wild at Heart Horse Rescue,” said Daryl Tropea, GFAS Program Director-Equine. “As most of their equines come from neglect and cruelty situations, Wild at Heart Horse Rescue provides a healing and nurturing environment so these horses can find new and lasting homes. Also, this organization strives to intervene early with owners who can no longer care for their horses in hopes of preventing equines from going to auctions. Wild at Heart has demonstrated commitment to best practices in equine care, management and governance.”

“Wild at Heart Horse Rescue is honored and thrilled to be verified by GFAS.” said Leslie Stewart, Executive Director of Wild at Heart. “Receiving our certification offers assurance to our patrons and signifies our level of commitment and care we give to our beautiful animals. We are excited to move forward in this new chapter and want to thank our supporters for sticking with us and holding us up. We look forward to working with new organizations and to welcoming new volunteers to help give our horses the tender, love and care that they deserve.”

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 Wild at Heart Horse Rescue
Wild at Heart Horse Rescue is a 501(c)3 non-profit horse rescue located in Lancaster, CA. We do not support the Kill Pen buyers or auctions. We primarily take in surrendered horses from people that can no longer afford to care for their horses. This way the horses never go to auction and hence do not end up in the kill pen. We consider this a preemptive strike against the kill pens. Our mission is, where possible, to rehabilitate, train and prepare our rescue horses to become the well-loved family members they are meant to be. If a horse can be saved and live without pain, we are willing to do what it takes to make that happen. We also have horses on site that are sanctuary horses and are permanent residents due to their special needs and the high maintenance. For more information, please visit  Wild At Heart Horse Rescue – Wild At Heart

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