Rustic Acres Wildcat Rescue of Chepachet, Rhode Island is Verified by Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries

February 15, 2024 (Chepachet, Rhode Island) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Verified status to Rustic Acres Wildcat Rescue (RAWR) as of January 30, 2024.

Verification means that RAWR meets the criteria of a true 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. Verification status also provides a clear and trusted means for the public, donors and grantors to recognize RAWR as an exceptional organization.

“We are excited to announce the recent Verification of Rustic Acres Wildcat Rescue, a sanctuary providing a peaceful permanent home and compassionate care to a cohort of wild bobcats,” said Kristin Leppert, GFAS Program Director-Wildlife. “RAWR is the first GFAS certified wildcat sanctuary in Rhode Island and we are grateful for their life saving program of taking in wild cats that would otherwise be euthanized. Rustic Acres Wildcat Rescue’s steady commitment to this achievement makes all of us at GFAS proud, and means the animals in RAWR’s care will receive excellent, lifelong care.”

“RAWR had set its sights on GFAS certification from the beginning, as it is our aim to provide the best animal care and environment possible for our wild residents. We are grateful for this recognition and to be a part of a community of organizations that place the best interests of their animals as their top priority” said Karle Busse, Executive Director of Rustic Acres Wildcat Rescue.

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.www.sanctuaryfederation.org.

About Rustic Acres Wildcat Rescue
We rescue and provide forever care to un-releasable wild cats, and wild cats who were illegally owned or seized would otherwise be euthanized. We also have a number of domestic cats who were discarded or have various disabilities. We never buy, breed, or sell animals. We are a true, no-contact sanctuary whose mission is to educate the public that although these animals are beautiful, they are not pets. We don’t touch or pet them – we respect their wildness and let them live as true to their nature as possible. www.rawrsanctuary.org

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