Deborah Wilson, M.D., receives prestigious award for providing sanctuary to at-risk horses, dogs, cats and others
SACRAMENTO, CA (August 18, 2008) – United Animal Nations (UAN) today issued its prestigious Animals’ Choice Award to Scottsdale, Arizona gynecologist and surgeon Deborah Wilson, M.D., for her work to rescue more than 500 animals through her non-profit sanctuary.
UAN presents the Animals’ Choice Award annually to an individual who advocates for animals beyond the scope of his or her profession. Dr. Wilson established Feathers Foundation and the Circle L Ranch in Prescott Valley, Arizona in 2004 to provide refuge to animals who would have potentially been neglected, euthanized or slaughtered for food. Since then, she has rescued more than 500 cats, dogs, horses, cows and other animals.
UAN Director of Programs Karen Brown commended Dr. Wilson for balancing a demanding profession with the physical and emotional challenges of operating a large and successful sanctuary for animals.
“Dr. Wilson has a rare combination of determination, intelligence and compassion, which she has dedicated wholeheartedly to helping both animals and people,” said Brown. “I can’t think of anyone who is more deserving of this award, especially as animals are being threatened in so many ways.”
Dr. Wilson has also worked to inform women that many of the most popular hormone drugs for menopausal symptoms are made from pregnant mares’ urine (PMU) and that horses used in or born as a result of this industry are often at risk for being sold to slaughter. Her 37-acre Circle L Ranch is a haven for horses from the PMU industry and is a registered organization on UAN’s PMURescue.org Web site. Dr. Wilson is an outspoken opponent of horse slaughter.
“I am honored to be receiving United Animal Nation’s Animal Choice Award,” Dr. Wilson said. “I am proud to say that we have saved hundreds of horses from the horrors of the slaughterhouse, countless dogs and cats from euthanasia, one hundred goats from unknown fates, and a handful of chickens and cows along the way. Our two rescue ranches are wonderful, happy places for the people and animals who live there. I only wish we could save them all.”
Founded in 1987, United Animal Nations is
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