New Role Will Work with Coalition Members to Promote Equine Welfare and Protection

(Jan. 17, 2012) — The Homes for Horses Coalition, a resource and representative voice of the nation’s horse rescue and sanctuary community, announced the appointment of Cindy Gendron as the program’s new coordinator. The coalition was formed in 2007 by The Humane Society of the United States, the Animal Welfare Institute and the ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) to serve as a recognized national network of experts in equine care and government policy affecting equines.

“This new, dedicated position will ensure the success of the Homes for Horses Coalition in helping rescue groups rehome the nation’s at-risk horse population and ending horse slaughter and other forms of equine abuse,” said Keith Dane, director of equine protection for The HSUS. “The Humane Society of the United States is delighted that Cindy will be leading the coalition’s efforts to promote growth, collaboration and professionalism in the equine rescue community.”

“Since its founding, the Homes for Horses Coalition has grown into a valuable resource for horse owners and rescues across the country,” said Chris Heyde, deputy director of government and legal affairs for the Animal Welfare Institute. “With Cindy coming on board to take the coalition to the next level, the potential for improving the lives of our horses will only get better.”

“I am honored to have the opportunity to work on behalf of all equines by joining the Homes for Horses Coalition in this role,” said Gendron, a horse owner who previously served as the volunteer programs director for Virginia Beach SPCA.

The coalition has more than 217 equine rescue/sanctuary member organizations. Members are actively engaged in improving the lives of America’s equines by providing care and homes to horses in need, advancing the highest operating standards and promoting responsible horse ownership. As coalition members, organizations are offered valuable training sessions, provided information about the availability of financial and other resources, encouraged to participate in an international equine rescue/sanctuary accreditation program and more.

Organizations that operate an equine rescue or retirement facility, equine advocacy organizations, professional equestrians, equine veterinarians and other stakeholders are encouraged to join The Homes for Horses Coalition by visiting its website at Homesforhorses.org.

Media Contacts:

HSUS – Stephanie Twining, 301-258-1491, stwining@humanesociety.org
AWI – Chris Heyde, 202-446-2142, chris@awionline.org

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The Humane Society of the United States is the nation’s largest animal protection organization, rated the most effective by its peers. Since 1954, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education and hands-on programs. We rescue and care for tens of thousands of animals each year, but our primary mission is to prevent cruelty before it occurs. We’re there for all animals, across America and around the world. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty – on the Web at humanesociety.org.

The Animal Welfare Institute (www.awionline.org) is a non-profit charitable organization founded in 1951 and dedicated to reducing animal suffering caused by people.  AWI engages policymakers, scientists, industry, and the public to achieve better treatment of animals everywhere — in the laboratory, on the farm, in commerce, at home, and in the wild.  Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for updates and other important animal protection news.