Goodheart Animal Sanctuaries Becomes the First Farm Sanctuary in Europe to be Verified by Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries

February 10, 2020 (Worcestershire, UK) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Verified status to Goodheart Animal Sanctuaries (The Nickless Farm) as of February 6,2020.

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

“We are very proud to announce the recent Verification of Goodheart Farm Animal Sanctuary at The Nickless Farm,” said Daryl Tropea Ph.D., GFAS Program Director. “They are the first farmed animal sanctuary to be certified by GFAS in Europe. Founders, David Walker and Dwynwen Jones established Goodheart Farm Animal Sanctuary in 2017 on 92 beautiful acres to provide a lifelong home to more than 300 animals including sheep, pigs, cows, goats and birds. Under the exceptional leadership of Alison Hood, Goodheart’s team of professionals provides the highest quality of animal care to their residents as well engaging in several advocacy campaigns including; exposing cruelty and neglect in animal farming, promoting better legislation, and educating the public regarding the nature of these animals as sentient beings.”

“Goodheart Farm Animal Sanctuary is thrilled to be the first farm animal sanctuary in Europe to receive GFAS verification,” said Alison Hood, Project Director of Goodheart Animal Sanctuaries. “Farm animals are the underdogs of the animal world; labelled differently and often treated appallingly. There are a tiny few who escape their fate and become ambassadors for their kind at Farm Sanctuaries.   The GFAS programme is so important to these farm animals; it not only helps ensure excellent welfare and strong policies; it also reflects that these wonderful, sentient animals deserve an excellent standard of care.  We hope that GHAS and GFAS’s commitment to farm animal welfare will help trigger a more compassionate relationship with farm animals for more people.”

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 Goodheart Farm Animal Sanctuary (The Nickless Farm)
Goodheart Animal Sanctuaries (GHAS) aims to create safe sanctuaries for rescued, abused and neglected animals and uses an evidence-based approach to educate the public about animal welfare and global sustainability. GHAS celebrates and promotes all animals as individual, sentient beings. We believe in establishing robust partnerships in the local community, regionally, and across the nation to ensure our message is spread far and wide. By working together, and celebrating every achievable step towards positive change, we can reduce the negative impact that animal agriculture has on animals, humans and our planet. For more information please visit, https://www.goodheartanimalsanctuaries.com.

Download Verification Press Release here.