| 2 | 3 | | |
|---|
| 3 | 4 | | |
|---|
| 4 | 5 | | |
|---|
| 5 | 6 | | |
|---|
| 6 | 7 | | R E S O L U T I O N |
|---|
| 7 | 8 | | WHEREAS, For 46 years, Black Beauty Ranch in Murchison has |
|---|
| 8 | 9 | | provided a safe haven for animals in need of rescue, |
|---|
| 9 | 10 | | rehabilitation, and lifelong care; and |
|---|
| 10 | 11 | | WHEREAS, Founded by renowned author and animal welfare |
|---|
| 11 | 12 | | advocate Cleveland Amory in 1979, Black Beauty Ranch is a premier |
|---|
| 12 | 13 | | animal sanctuary operated by the nonprofit organization Humane |
|---|
| 13 | 14 | | World for Animals; named after the beloved novel by Anna Sewell, the |
|---|
| 14 | 15 | | ranch stands as a symbol of compassion and a beacon of hope for |
|---|
| 15 | 16 | | animals freed from cruelty, neglect, and exploitation; and |
|---|
| 16 | 17 | | WHEREAS, Black Beauty Ranch's history began with the rescue |
|---|
| 17 | 18 | | of 577 burros from the Grand Canyon, a landmark effort that set the |
|---|
| 18 | 19 | | foundation for the ranch's mission to provide animals with a second |
|---|
| 19 | 20 | | chance at life; today, the ranch spans more than 1,400 acres of |
|---|
| 20 | 21 | | natural habitats in Henderson County and offers a secure refuge for |
|---|
| 21 | 22 | | over 600 animals representing some 40 different species, including |
|---|
| 22 | 23 | | primates, big cats, bears, horses, bison, reptiles, and livestock; |
|---|
| 23 | 24 | | all animals housed at the facility were rescued from tragic |
|---|
| 24 | 25 | | situations such as roadside zoos, the exotic pet trade, circuses, |
|---|
| 25 | 26 | | research laboratories, and hoarding cases; and |
|---|
| 26 | 27 | | WHEREAS, The ranch's dedicated team of animal care |
|---|
| 27 | 28 | | professionals and veterinarians work tirelessly to meet the |
|---|
| 28 | 29 | | physical, behavioral, and emotional needs of every resident, |
|---|
| 29 | 30 | | ensuring they receive not only shelter but also the dignity, |
|---|
| 30 | 31 | | respect, and quality of life they deserve; beyond its service to |
|---|
| 31 | 32 | | vulnerable animals, the ranch has been a leader in promoting public |
|---|
| 32 | 33 | | education and humane advocacy through guided tours and educational |
|---|
| 33 | 34 | | programs that help visitors from across Texas and around the world |
|---|
| 34 | 35 | | to better understand the importance of animal protection and |
|---|
| 35 | 36 | | environmental conservation; and |
|---|
| 36 | 37 | | WHEREAS, In 2024, Black Beauty Ranch stepped in to offer |
|---|
| 37 | 38 | | sanctuary to animals following the closure of Puerto Rico's last |
|---|
| 38 | 39 | | remaining zoo, where many had suffered from years of neglect and |
|---|
| 39 | 40 | | inadequate care; this life-saving effort demonstrated the ranch's |
|---|
| 40 | 41 | | capacity for large-scale rescue operations as part of its |
|---|
| 41 | 42 | | continuing work to protect and rehabilitate wildlife held in |
|---|
| 42 | 43 | | substandard conditions; and |
|---|
| 43 | 44 | | WHEREAS, Over the past 46 years, Black Beauty Ranch has |
|---|
| 44 | 45 | | exemplified the highest standards of animal welfare and ethical |
|---|
| 45 | 46 | | stewardship, and it is a privilege to recognize an organization |
|---|
| 46 | 47 | | that has made such a profound difference in the lives of both |
|---|
| 47 | 48 | | animals and people; now, therefore, be it |
|---|
| 48 | 49 | | RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas |
|---|
| 49 | 50 | | Legislature hereby honor Black Beauty Ranch on its 46th anniversary |
|---|
| 50 | 51 | | and commend its staff, volunteers, and supporters for their |
|---|
| 51 | 52 | | exceptional dedication to the care and protection of animals in |
|---|
| 52 | 53 | | need; and, be it further |
|---|
| 53 | 54 | | RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be |
|---|
| 54 | 55 | | prepared for Black Beauty Ranch as an expression of high regard by |
|---|
| 55 | 56 | | the Texas House of Representatives. |
|---|