Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Center in Georgetown, Ky., is has announced that the non-profit organization has achieved "Verified Status" by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS).

The GFAS, the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Verified Status to Old Friends, December 15, 2011.

Verification means that Old Friends 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. They must also adhere to a demanding set of ethical and operational principles.

"Old Friends provides a unique resource for the retirement of ex-racehorses," said Jeannine Alexander, GFAS Deputy Director-Equine. "Although the gelding of stallions is always endorsed by GFAS, having a sanctuary with experienced staff to care for stallions that have not been gelded per veterinary recommendation is important

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