A planned accreditation programme for equine rescue groups and sanctuaries in the United States has been described as a turning point for the equine welfare community.
The scheme was discussed during a meeting a recently completed conference in Las Vegas attended by dozens of national and state-based equine protection, advocacy and rescue organisations.
The third annual Homes for Horses Coalition Conference discussed the re-homing of at-risk horses in America and other equine welfare concerns.
"This year's conference truly marked a turning point for the equine welfare community," said Liz Ross, the Animal Welfare Institute's federal policy adviser.
"With the announcement of a forthcoming accreditation programme for equine rescues and sanctuaries and wide participation from a diverse range of groups, we are moving towards an increased level of professionalism and wider reach in our work to aid at-risk horses."
The conference was held in conjunction with The Humane Society of the United States' Animal Care Expo, which included two equine welfare workshops.
Keith Dane, the HSUS director of equine protection, said: "The equine rescue community in the United States is hard at work every day to provide care and futures for America's homeless horses, and the Homes for Horses Coalition helps this community to excel in its mission.
"Coalition members attending this conference were provided with many ideas and tools that will enable them to ensure that every horse has a home, and no horse must ever endure neglect, abandonment or the horrors of being sent to slaughter."
The Homes for Horses Coalition actively supports and promotes the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), formed in 2007 by nationally and globally recognised leaders in the animal protection field for the sole purpose of strengthening and supporting the work of animal sanctuaries and rescue facilities in the US and abroad.
The federation offers clear, specific guidelines on the humane care of various species.
The AWI/HSUS guide, "Basic Guidelines for Operating an Equine Rescue or Retirement Facility", has been used to shape the GFAS equine standards. As the federation begins to roll out its programme, The Homes for Horses Coalition will work with its members to encourage and assist them in attaining GFAS accreditation.
Formed in 2007, The Homes for Horses Coalition is dedicated to ending horse slaughter and other forms of equine abuse while promoting growth, collaboration and professionalism in the equine rescue and protection community.
Sponsored by the Animal Welfare Institute and the HSUS, the Las Vegas conference featured a wide range of equine protection issues including: innovative programmes for re-homing at-risk horses; fundraising strategies; community outreach; emergency preparedness and a new accreditation program for equine rescues and sanctuaries.
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