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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, For 46 years, Black Beauty Ranch in Murchison has |
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provided a safe haven for animals in need of rescue, |
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rehabilitation, and lifelong care; and |
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WHEREAS, Founded by renowned author and animal welfare |
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advocate Cleveland Amory in 1979, Black Beauty Ranch is a premier |
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animal sanctuary operated by the nonprofit organization Humane |
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World for Animals; named after the beloved novel by Anna Sewell, the |
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ranch stands as a symbol of compassion and a beacon of hope for |
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animals freed from cruelty, neglect, and exploitation; and |
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WHEREAS, Black Beauty Ranch's history began with the rescue |
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of 577 burros from the Grand Canyon, a landmark effort that set the |
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foundation for the ranch's mission to provide animals with a second |
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chance at life; today, the ranch spans more than 1,400 acres of |
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natural habitats in Henderson County and offers a secure refuge for |
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over 600 animals representing some 40 different species, including |
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primates, big cats, bears, horses, bison, reptiles, and livestock; |
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all animals housed at the facility were rescued from tragic |
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situations such as roadside zoos, the exotic pet trade, circuses, |
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research laboratories, and hoarding cases; and |
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WHEREAS, The ranch's dedicated team of animal care |
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professionals and veterinarians work tirelessly to meet the |
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physical, behavioral, and emotional needs of every resident, |
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ensuring they receive not only shelter but also the dignity, |
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respect, and quality of life they deserve; beyond its service to |
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vulnerable animals, the ranch has been a leader in promoting public |
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education and humane advocacy through guided tours and educational |
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programs that help visitors from across Texas and around the world |
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to better understand the importance of animal protection and |
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environmental conservation; and |
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WHEREAS, In 2024, Black Beauty Ranch stepped in to offer |
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sanctuary to animals following the closure of Puerto Rico's last |
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remaining zoo, where many had suffered from years of neglect and |
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inadequate care; this life-saving effort demonstrated the ranch's |
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capacity for large-scale rescue operations as part of its |
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continuing work to protect and rehabilitate wildlife held in |
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substandard conditions; and |
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WHEREAS, Over the past 46 years, Black Beauty Ranch has |
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exemplified the highest standards of animal welfare and ethical |
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stewardship, and it is a privilege to recognize an organization |
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that has made such a profound difference in the lives of both |
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animals and people; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas |
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Legislature hereby honor Black Beauty Ranch on its 46th anniversary |
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and commend its staff, volunteers, and supporters for their |
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exceptional dedication to the care and protection of animals in |
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need; and, be it further |
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RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be |
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prepared for Black Beauty Ranch as an expression of high regard by |
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the Texas House of Representatives. |