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SENATE RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to |
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recognize Black Beauty Ranch in Murchison on the occasion of its |
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46th anniversary; 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 that provides a safe haven for animals in need |
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of rescue, rehabilitation, and lifelong care; operated by the |
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nonprofit organization Humane World for Animals and named for the |
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beloved novel by Anna Sewell, the ranch stands as a beacon of hope |
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and a symbol of compassion for animals freed from cruelty, |
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neglect, and exploitation; and |
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WHEREAS, Black Beauty Ranch's history began with the |
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rescue of 577 burros from the Grand Canyon, a landmark effort |
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that set the foundation for the ranch's mission to provide |
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animals with a second chance at life; today, the ranch spans more |
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than 1,400 acres of natural habitat in Henderson County and |
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offers a secure refuge for more than 600 animals representing |
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some 40 different species, including primates, big cats, bears, |
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horses, bison, reptiles, and livestock; all animals housed at the |
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facility were rescued from such dire situations as roadside zoos, |
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the exotic pet trade, circuses, research laboratories, and |
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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 animal in |
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their care and to ensue they receive not only shelter but also the |
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resources necessary to experience a higher quality of life; |
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beyond its work to aid vulnerable animals, the ranch has been a |
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leader in promoting public education and humane advocacy through |
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guided tours and educational programs that help visitors from |
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across Texas and around the world to better understand the |
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importance of animal protection and environmental conservation; |
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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 lifesaving 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 indeed fitting that this exemplary |
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organization receive special recognition for its outstanding |
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contributions to the well-being of animals; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th |
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Legislature, hereby commend the staff, volunteers, and |
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supporters of Black Beauty Ranch on 46 years of exceptional |
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dedication to the care and protection of animals in need and |
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extend to all sincere best wishes for continued success; and, be |
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it further |
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RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for |
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the ranch as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate. |