Hidden Acres Rescue for Thoroughbreds of Florida is Verified by Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries

Cocoa, FL, May 06, 2017 --(PR.com)-- The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Verified status to Hidden Acres Rescue for Thoroughbreds as of May 3, 2017.

Verification means that Hidden Acres Rescue for Thoroughbreds 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 Hidden Acres Rescue for Thoroughbreds as an exceptional organization.

“We are proud to announce the recent verification of Hidden Acres Rescue for Thoroughbreds,” said Valerie Taylor, GFAS Director of Accreditation. “The dedication and passion of HART’s volunteers, staff, and Board of Directors is remarkable, which allows for such attention to be paid to the proper retraining and rehoming of off-the-track Thoroughbred horses. In addition, HART’s efforts to work with, and involve their local community regarding humane and responsible care of horses, and showcase the ways in which horses can give back demonstrates the organization’s commitment to horses-in-need in Florida.”

“I feel so privileged to have the support and verification from GFAS for Hidden Acres Rescue for Thoroughbreds (HART),” said Suzanna Norris, Executive Director of Hidden Acres Rescue for Thoroughbreds. “The process of verification provided HART, a growing organization, the opportunity to improve standards, effectiveness, and efficiency, and laid a foundation to successfully and continually strive for excellence.”

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 Born Free USA, 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 Hidden Acres Rescue for Thoroughbreds (HART)
HART for Horses is committed to being the voice for off-the-track Thoroughbreds, to finding them their forever homes, and to stewarding a mutual journey of self-discovery for all our horses and the people that adopt or interact with them. HART is dedicated to preventing the deeply troubling fate some of these horses face after retiring from racing. By fostering new beginnings and second careers for these majestic athletes, the organization elevates awareness on the versatility these horses possess among the equestrian community. HART has aligned with the racing industry’s great efforts toward support of off-the-track Thoroughbreds so that they have a smooth transition into their second careers and resources to secure their well-being, while they prepare for their forever homes. HART is also committed to the community, especially those individuals needing to fit in or looking for their own personal way to connect with a purpose in life. The organization has seen first-hand how cultivating the confidence and trust of off-the-track Thoroughbreds will in turn enlighten us on our own behavior and communication skills that we can incorporate into our daily lives. Patience, understanding, thoughtful and purposeful actions are lessons mutually acquired through these equally wanting relationships. For more information, visit www.hartforhorses.org or call 321-543-2924.

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.
Contact
Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries
Valerie Taylor
620-309-8637
http://www.sanctuaryfederation.org/gfas/
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