Roseburg Or, (KMTR) A horse rescue in Roseburg is being recognized for its outstanding service. Strawberry Mountain Mustangs specializes in finding new homes for abused and neglected horses.
They’re now officially ranked "Verified" by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries. The national group gives the status to rescues to confirm their high level of care.
Getting the ranking isn't easy. The nearly year long application process started last spring. In visits to the rescue, every detail is considered by G.F.A.S., even down to what kind of weeds may be growing in a horse's field that could possibly make it sick. The group also checks in with local law and animal control officials, to make sure they have a good working relationship with the rescue.
Darla Clark, a director at Strawberry Mountain Mustangs, says the status is a big deal for such a small facility.
"We have no paid staff, so everything is done on a volunteer basis,” says Clark, “much of the manual labor is done by us the directors, and a few volunteers. When you’re put into the ranks of these large national groups who have paid staff and hired hands, that makes you feel good."
Clark hopes the non-profit’s status will spark more confidence among potential donors and make it easier to receive grants. Strawberry Mountain Mustangs is the smaller one of two rescues in Douglas County to receive the status, and one of only four in the entire northwest.
