Longhopes donkey shelter receives highest honor

March 25, 2012 - PRLog -- March 16, 2012 (Bennett, CO) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Verified status to Longhopes Donkey Shelter, December 15, 2011.

Verification means that Longhopes Donkey Shelter 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.

“Longhopes Donkey Shelter is an example of the type of organization that not only does a wonderful job with the animals in their care, and they also care deeply about how their organization is managed,” said Jeannine Alexander, GFAS Deputy Director-Equine.”Longhopes recently surpassed 500 donkey adoptions and with their commitment to strengthening their organization, I’m sure that they will continue to exceed their own goals. We are also excited that they are ready to pursue Accreditation,” she continued.

Kathy Dean, CEO of Longhopes Donkey Shelter, responded to the news that Longhopes had been Verified by saying, “Verification by GFAS is an exciting first step to public recognition of Longhopes as a premier donkey rescue in the United States.”
Longhopes Donkey shelter was awarded a compliance grant by GFAS to help make recommended improvements to meet Accreditation/Verification Standards. Compliance grant funding is made possible through a grant from PetSmart Charities®.

The GFAS Equine Accreditation Program is made possible by generous grants from PetSmart Charities® and 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 worldwide. The goal of GFAS in working with and assisting sanctuaries 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. They represent top leadership from Born Free USA, The Humane Society of the United States, International Fund for Animal Welfare, American Anti-Vivisection Society, and National Anti-Vivisection Society.