The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Verified status to Kentucky Equine Humane Center as of October 2, 2014.
Verification means that Kentucky Equine Humane Center 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.
“Located on 72 acres of rolling Kentucky grasslands, KyEHC provides one of the few all-breed equine rescues in this area known for its Thoroughbred racing industry,” said Daryl Tropea, GFAS Senior Deputy Director. “Regardless of breed, KyEHC gives horses that are surrendered by owners or animal law enforcement the chance to find a new home and a new beginning. The hallmark of this organization is its rehabilitation and training program. Because often, so little is known about the history of these horses, each horse receives a comprehensive evaluation to determine their strengths, skills and preferences. This individualized training program is the key to KyEHC’s highly successful adoption program.”
“The Kentucky Equine Humane Center is thrilled to be verified by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries, an international organization that promotes standards of excellence in the humane treatment and care of animals,” stated KyEHC Executive Director, Karen Gustin. “We have found that while we are helping horses first, we are often helping people as well who are going through difficult transitions in their lives. Consider the case, for example, of Storm Siren, above, a young Thoroughbred whose owner was no longer able to financially care for her. Storm Siren came to the Center with a very difficult laceration on her hind leg which took months and months to treat. She is now healed and ready for adoption.”
Tropea added, “We are always encouraged by organizations that complete the verification process but express interest in becoming Accredited. We look forward to receiving KyEHC’ s application for accreditation in the near future.”
The GFAS Equine Accreditation Program is made possible by a generous grant from The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®.
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 Born Free USA, The Humane Society of the United States, International Fund for Animal Welfare, the ASPCA, and American Anti-Vivisection Society, all board members serve as individuals dedicated to animal sanctuaries. localhost.
About Kentucky Equine Humane Center
The Kentucky Equine Humane Center (KyEHC) is an all breed horse rescue that provides humane treatment and shelter for Kentucky’s unwanted equines. The ultimate goal for each horse is to place it in an adoptive home, and the focus is on putting the right horse with the right person or family. The KyEHC also educates the public and raises awareness for responsible equine ownership so that fewer horses end up in crisis. Lastly, the KyEHC serves as a model for organizations with the same mission in other states: to save America’s equines from inhumane treatment. For more information, visit www.kyehc.org or call 859-881-5849.
About the ASPCA®
Founded in 1866, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) is the first humane organization established in the Americas and serves as the nation’s leading voice for animal welfare. One million supporters strong, the ASPCA’s mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, the ASPCA is a national leader in the areas of anti-cruelty, community outreach and animal health services. The ASPCA, which is headquartered in New York City, offers a wide range of programs, including a mobile clinic outreach initiative, its own humane law enforcement team, and a groundbreaking veterinary forensics team and mobile animal CSI unit. For more information, please visit www.aspca.org. To become a fan of the ASPCA on Facebook, go to http://www.facebook.com/aspca. To follow the ASPCA on Twitter, go to http://www.twitter.com/aspca.