Sunshine Horses Inc. of Clay, New York is Now Accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries

October 31, 2022 (Clay, NY) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Accredited status to Sunshine Horses as of October 18, 2022.

Accreditation signifies that Sunshine Horses 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 Sunshine Horses as an exceptional organization.

“We are very proud to announce the transition from Verified to Accredited status for Sunshine Horses Inc.,” said Daryl Tropea, Ph.D., GFAS Program Director-Equine. “With GFAS Verification achieved in 2019, this organization became completely committed to achieve GFAS Accreditation and they have succeeded. While their primary focus is to provide aftercare for retired Standardbred racehorses, they help all horses in need. Over 150 dedicated volunteers are responsible for the provision of the highest quality care for these equines, preparing them for new and lasting homes. This volunteer team is clearly devoted not only to best practices of equine care but also governance and management best practices, ensuring a lasting and successful animal welfare organization.”

“There are no words to describe how proud and ecstatic the members of Sunshine Horses, Inc. are to have achieved accreditation status with Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries,” said Mary Minkoff, Director of Operations, Quality Assurance and Safety, and Member of the Board of Directors. “Our organization, with its 100% Volunteer membership, comprises a village of team players who have worked hard to accomplish this goal.  Our journey began in 2018 with Verification.  GFAS helped us to achieve this level, providing us with the groundwork and guidelines to develop our structure.  Our policies and procedures for equine care were based on GFAS’ Gold Standards. We are grateful for the support we received from GFAS through the years.  They helped our organization achieve a standard of excellence and elevated us to a level of professionalism for our herd and their home. As we grow, we will continue to look to Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries for their guidance to further develop our programs both within the organization and the community.”

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 Sunshine Horses Inc.
Sunshine Horses, Inc. is an independent adoption agency committed to rescuing, rehabilitating, retraining, and rehoming horses, while enriching the lives of people and offering opportunities for personal growth. Sunshine Horses Inc’s motto is helping horses, helping people. The problem that our organization helps to address is the aftercare of the standardbred racehorse. The aftercare of the standardbred racehorse has not been given the attention it deserves and there are many racetracks in Upstate New York. Sunshine Horses takes in horses directly off the racetrack, occasionally from slaughter or kill pens or auctions, or from people that can no longer care for their horses. Sunshine Horses takes these horses in, rehabilitates them, evaluates them, treats them, heals them if needed, and retrains them with the ultimate goal of rehoming them and finding them forever homes. For more information, please visit at Sunshine Horses

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