Lexington, KY ‘ February 24, 2014 – The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Foundation, Inc. (TAA) announced today that its 2014 application for accreditation has been published online and that qualified aftercare organizations are encouraged to submit an application before May 15, 2014.
According to TAA’s Code of Standards (available on thoroughbredaftercare.org), accreditation status is determined after a complete review of five areas; operations; education; horse health care management; facility standards and services; adoption policies and protocols.
At a minimum, organizations applying for TAA accreditation must fulfill the following six requirements:
- The organization must be a 501 (c) 3 tax-exempt organization as defined by the Internal Revenue Service, or be a registered charity in Canada.
- The organization must have been operational for a minimum of three years.
- The organization must house a minimum of 50% and/or a minimum of five Thoroughbreds.
- The organization must have an official euthanasia policy consistent with that of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) as detailed on http://www.aaep.org/info/horse-health?publication=849
- The organization’s principals have never been convicted of killing, abandoning, mistreating, neglecting, abusing or otherwise committing an act of cruelty against a horse.
- The organization has no legal proceedings pending against it, or against any principal of the organization and/or persons affiliated with the organization.
TAA accreditation will be revoked and funding will be discontinued if organization provides false information in application. All organizations have a duty to notify TAA if any of these conditions are no longer met after application is submitted.
‘The American Association of Equine Practitioners and the American Humane Association, among many others, have helped the TAA create a rigorous and thorough accreditation process that prioritizes one thing above all else ‘ the welfare of retired Thoroughbreds,’ said TAA Vice President Madeline Auerbach.
‘The American Association of Equine Practitioners strongly supports the efforts of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance,’ said AAEP President Dr. Jeff Blea. ‘The AAEP has worked in partnership with the TAA on the development of its Code of Standards, best practices, its application and its site inspector documents and we support its efforts to improve the care of Thoroughbreds at rescue and retirement facilities throughout North America.’
‘After a lifetime of work, our magnificent Thoroughbreds deserve a great retirement,’ said Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane Association. ‘The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance has been making significant strides in raising the level of care for these magnificent animals, accrediting nearly two dozen equine aftercare organizations in the just the first two years. We encourage all those doing the important work of caring for retired thoroughbreds to apply and join the growing movement of organizations committed to the highest possible standards.’
Based in Lexington, Kentucky, the TAA serves as both an accrediting body for aftercare facilities that care for Thoroughbreds following the conclusion of their racing careers and a fundraising body to support these approved facilities.
Funded initially by seed money from Breeders’ Cup, Ltd., The Jockey Club, and Keeneland Association, the TAA is comprised of and supported by owners, trainers, breeders, racetracks, jockeys, aftercare professionals and other industry groups.
Additional information about the TAA is available by visiting thoroughbredaftercare.org or call 859-224-2756.
