Springer Mountain Farms President Gus Arrendale Awarded Prestigious National Humanitarian Medal

American Humane Association Honors Influential Leader in Animal Welfare

ATLANTA (Oct. 10, 2013) – Gus Arrendale, president of Springer Mountain Farms, received the National Humanitarian Medal at the third annual American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards™ on Oct. 5th in Beverly Hills, California.  It is presented to an individual whose actions reflect the essential values of compassion, caring and hope to children and animals.

"Gus has been a special partner with American Humane Association over the years, and we are honored to bestow upon him the prestigious National Humanitarian Medal at the 2013 Hero Dog Awards," said Dr. Robin Ganzert, American Humane Association president and CEO. "He is truly a humane visionary in the animal welfare community, deeply committed to the welfare of all farm animals. Through his leadership by example, he has been instrumental in helping the nation's oldest and largest farm animal welfare program grow at this unprecedented rate.”

Arrendale’s concern for animal welfare stems from a lifetime with the family business, where he has served in many roles over the years. From his childhood of raising Easter chicks on his grandparents’ farm to his current role as president, Arrendale’s dedication to animal welfare has been his life passion. 

Springer Mountain Farms bears the American Humane Certified™ seal of approval for its adherence to more than 200 science-based welfare standards relating to the proper treatment of animals. Springer Mountain Farms’ chickens are raised on a pesticide-free, vegetarian diet without the use of antibiotics, growth stimulants or hormones. The company has been certified since 2001 and is a member of a select group accounting for just 10 percent of all farm animals raised for food production each year in the United States that is deemed American Humane Certified™. 

Watch Mr. Arrendale accept his award during the nationwide broadcast of The American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards™ on The Hallmark Channel on Oct. 30 at 8 p.m./7 p.m. Central.

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About Springer Mountain Farms

Springer Mountain Farms, headquartered in Baldwin, GA, is a family owned business that has been raising chickens for over 40 years. Built on strong family values and kindred relationships within the farming community, Springer Mountain Farms was the first poultry company in America to be certified by the American Humane Association for their humane growing practices. Springer Mountain Farms chickens are raised on a pesticide-free, vegetarian diet without the use of antibiotics, growth stimulants or hormones. To learn more about Springer Mountain Farms, visit www.SpringerMountainFarms.com or mobile at m.springermountainfarms.com.

About American Humane Association

American Humane Association is the country’s first national humane organization and the only one dedicated to protecting both children and animals. Since 1877, American Humane Association has been at the forefront of virtually every major advance in protecting our most vulnerable from cruelty, abuse and neglect. Today we’re also leading the way in understanding the human-animal bond and its role in therapy, medicine and society. American Humane Association reaches millions of people every day through groundbreaking research, education, training and services that span a wide network of organizations, agencies and businesses. You can help make a difference, too. Visit American Humane Association at www.americanhumane.org today.