*Update* 1/17/18 Via their official web & facebook page these horses at the facility are being worked, ridden and bonded to carriages. This is not a sanctuary or rescue if these animals continue to be used and exploited. Moreover, there are many comments and feedback on their facebook page that reflect some questionable practices in operation. I've reached out Christine Hajek of Gentle Giants Draft Horse Rescue for comment. I have also looped in the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) I have not yet heard back yet.
Original Post
Philadelphia – The City of Philadelphia, along with the Animal Care and Control Team (ACCT Philly), announced today that the horses formerly owned by the now defunct Philadelphia Carriage Company (PCC) were recently transferred to Gentle Giants Draft Horse Rescue, a non-profit horse care taking facility and rescue in Maryland. The horses will travel in an enclosed horse trailer, providing safe and humane protection during the journey.
“We are grateful that Gentle Giants has agreed to accept these horses into their esteemed program and know that they will receive the high quality care they deserve,” said Vincent Medley, ACCT Philly Executive Director.
Gentle Giants is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization formed to facilitate the rescue of draft horses from slaughter, abuse, and neglect. Horses at the 139-acre farm in Mount Airy, MD, await adoptive homes or simply live out their retirement in the safety and comfort of the rescue. The rescue does not place horses in homes with the intention of using them for commercial gain.
Accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) since 2012, Gentle Giants provides horses the high level of care outlined in the GFAS Standards of Excellence for Equines and came highly recommended by the Humane Society of the United States.
The Philadelphia Carriage Company ceased operation on January 1st, 2018, as per a consent decree reached with the City.
For immediate release: January 08, 2018Published by: Managing Director’s Office Contact: Ame Dorminy ame@acctphilly.org (215) 410-5934 Ajeenah Amir Ajeenah.Amir@phila.gov (215) 686-6210
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