Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue of Texas Gets Accredited

The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), awarded "Accredited" status to Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue (PVDR) as of July 7, 2016, said a press release today. GFAS is the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries.

Accreditation signifies that Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue meets GFAS’s rigorous and peer-reviewed equine and farm animal 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.

“There is no denying the absolute dedication and commitment of Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue to improving the plight of donkeys and burros across this country”, said Daryl Tropea, GFAS Director of Accreditation – Equine. “The leadership, staff and volunteers of this network of facilities are clearly devoted to providing the highest level of rehabilitation and health care to meet the unique needs of these special equine. With more than 3,000 donkeys in their care, PVDR stands out as a vital contributor to improving the welfare of donkeys and burros not only in Texas, but nationally and internationally as well.”

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.

“This accreditation means a lot to all of us,” said Mark S. Meyers, Executive Director for Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue. “All of us at the Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue are humbled by this accreditation from the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries. We have developed, what we believe, is a world class organization, to have our efforts recognized by such a prestigious organization is a true honor. The staff of Peaceful Valley has always strived to be the very best at what we do; it is an honor to have others see that in us as well.”

The Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue is the nation's largest donkey rescue with over twenty facilities nationwide. The organization works with federal, state and local agencies to provide rescue services to abused, neglected, abandoned and wild donkeys. PVDR manages one of the largest privately held herd of donkeys in the world on its main rehabilitation facility in San Angelo, Texas. For more information about Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue, call (325)276-1662, visit www.donkeyrescue.org, or check out San Angelo LIVE!'s previous article.