Days End Farm receives Agritourism Permit for New Farm

Donors and Volunteers Needed to Upgrade Rehab Center

Lisbon, MD – February 4, 2008 – Days End Farm Horse Rescue was awarded Howard County’s Agritourism Enterprise Permit last month, allowing them to move full operations over to the 58-acre agricultural preserve they have been pursuing since December. To ensure that the move goes smoothly, the organization will be relying heavily on donations and volunteers.

Already, carpenters, electricians and plumbers have been donating their time improving fencing, stabilizing sheds and retrofitting buildings, turning this former cattle farm into one equipped to care for nearly 60 horses. Land use attorney Sang Oh from Dick Talkin’s Office, and civil engineers Zac Fisch and Susan Marmon, helped develop the plan that led to the Agritourism permit.

Volunteers are needed to help pack up the old facility as well as organize the new critical care area, feed and tack rooms, barns, offices and classroom before equipment, materials and horses can be moved from the old farm by the April 30th deadline. Desks, chairs, file cabinets and other items have been trickling in, and many more items are needed.

In early February, over 20 Days End volunteers descended on a Howard County equine facility slated for demolition. They set to work dismantling stalls, and within hours, truckloads of lumber, stall doors and building materials valued at $4,000 were en route to the new farm. A Wish List will be posted on the web and upgraded as needs change.

The staff and volunteers at Days End have known for some time that they needed a bigger facility in order to expand their programs to meet the needs of horses locally and across the country. Last year’s large impoundments pushed the search for more land into the critical zone. When the cattle farm became available for lease with the first option to buy, they jumped at the opportunity, quickly moving a few horses to relieve overcrowding at the current location.

Looking beyond move-in day, Days End’s Founder and Board Members plan for the new farm to become a state-of-the art center for rehabilitating horses, educating the public and training emergency personnel in large animal rescue. There will eventually be indoor and outdoor arenas, and housing for interns. Founder, Kathy Schwartz-Howe is excited about the move, and she knows “it will take lots of help from the community to make this the dream farm it can be.”

Days End Farm Horse Rescue is a 501(c) 3, non-profit organization. For more information on volunteer opportunities, Wish List needs and ongoing projects needing funding, visit www.defhr.org, email defhr@erols.com or call (301) 854-5037 or (410) 442-1564.

# # # About Days End Farm Horse Rescue, Inc.: Days End is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, volunteer-based humane organization providing horse rescue services, quality care, and treatment for abused and neglected horses impounded by animal control agencies. Its mission is to foster compassion and responsibility for horses through intervention, education and outreach.

# # # Days End has been named a top-rated charity by Charity Navigator, America's largest independent evaluator of charities. Charity Navigator awarded Days End four out of four possible stars, indicating that compared to other charities nationwide, Days End excels in successfully managing its organizational finances in an efficient and effective manner. Days End has also been awarded the “Best in America” seal of approval by Independent Charities of America - a Certificate of Excellence given only to nonprofit organizations meeting the highest standards of public accountability and service.

 

For more information call:
301/854-5037 or 410/442-1564
E-Mail: info@defhr.org

Physical Address:
1372 Woodbine Road
Woodbine, MD 21797

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 309
Lisbon, Maryland 21765

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Days End Farm Horse Rescue, Inc. is a non-profit, volunteer based humane organization whose mission is Fostering compassion and responsibility for horses through intervention, education, and outreach.