Linn County Animal Rescue becomes first Oregon sanctuary verified by GFAS and founder wins sheriff’s award of merit

Verification identifies the Oregon-based sanctuary as providing humane and responsible care

March 10, 2010 (Linn County, OR) – Linn County Animal Rescue (LCAR), a nonprofit horse rescue organization, became the first animal sanctuary in Oregon to be verified as meeting all the requirements of a true sanctuary by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS). The verification means the Oregon-based rescue meets the comprehensive and rigorous definition of a true equine sanctuary/rescue and is providing humane and responsible care of the animals according to the guidelines of GFAS, which is the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries. The verification status also provides a clear and trusted means for public, donors and government agencies to recognize LCAR as a credible sanctuary that adheres to the true mission of providing safe haven and humane care for abused animals.

“We are very pleased to recognize Linn County Animal Rescue as a verified GFAS sanctuary. It is a young organization that illustrates the types of benefits and care a credible equine rescue can bring not only to the animals it aims to protect but also to the communities that it operates in,” said Patty Finch, Executive Director of GFAS.

LCAR’s mission is to provide a safe and nurturing environment for abused, abandoned, neglected and elderly horses. It works closely with the Linn County Sheriff’s Office Livestock Investigation Team, Linn County Sheriff’s Mounted Posse, Oregon Horse Welfare Council and public citizens. The verification public announcement comes shortly after LCAR worked with the Linn County Sheriff’s Office to bring in its largest horse seizure of 31 horses.

“Without Linn County Animal Rescue Organization’s generosity, knowledge of good animal husbandry skills and compassion for animals, the Linn County Sheriff’s Office would not be as successful in of our cases with seized animals. Before the Linn County Animal Rescue Organization, there were no seizures and the animals were left in the hands of those neglecting and abusing them,” said Sergeant James Welch of the Linn County Sheriff’s Office. “I believe if there were other similar organizations like the Linn County Animal Rescue for these other jurisdictions, law enforcement agencies would be actively investigating animal crimes if they had a place to take the animals.”

LCAR’s founder Cindy Kingsberry was also recently awarded a special “Sheriff’s Award of Merit.” The citation read: “In honor of your outstanding dedication to the Linn County Sheriff’s Office in its investigation of animal neglect. Your enthusiastic assistance to the deputies on the Livestock Abuse Investigation team and your establishment of the Linn County Animal Rescue, have significantly aided the Sheriff’s Office and have had a positive impact on the successful prosecution of suspects arrested for animal neglect. Thank you for all you do.” -Tim Mueller, Linn County Sheriff.

“Linn County Animal Rescue is honored to have received the coveted status of “Verified” from the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries. Cindy’s lifelong dream of rescuing horses has been realized and supported by Law Enforcement, the Community, and now internationally. What an honor,” states Bonnie Orr, Executive Director.

For additional information on LCAR, please visit www.lcarhorse.com.