ABOUT

THE SIX FREEDOMS is a non-governmental organisation committed to promoting the welfare, protection and humane treatment of animals, with a special focus on horses. We work to ensure that horses are treated with dignity, compassion and respect. We are dedicated to safeguarding the rights of animals in Ghana, and especially Greater Accra.

We understand the interconnection between human, animal and planetary health, and our holistic approach is aligned to the One Health concept. We, for example, recognise the scientifically demonstrated link between violence against women and children and violence against animals, as well as the important role animals have played in treating traumatic symptoms in humans. We therefore also seek to foster, through interactive human-animal interventions, the welfare, mental health and empowerment of children with special gifts (referred to as children with disabilities), survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), and other vulnerable individuals. 

Through a holistic approach rooted in compassion, dignity, and respect, we aim to create healing environments for humans and animals alike, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all life.

We believe in empowerment through positive role modelling (i.e. based on love, respect, compassion and care). We also believe in cooperation and work closely with several other community, welfare, and human and animal rights organisations.

Our Purpose

We exist to:

• Promote the welfare, protection, and humane treatment of horses, particularly in Greater Accra.
• Foster a holistic and interdisciplinary approach that recognises the interconnectedness between human, animal, and environmental health, as aligned to the One Health principle.
• Empower vulnerable individuals, including children, survivors of SGBV, and marginalised communities, through horse-assisted therapy.

Vision

THE SIX FREEDOMS seeks to create a world where the welfare of animals, particularly horses, is ensured and where vulnerable individuals, including children with special gifts, survivors of SGBV, and marginalized communities, find empowerment and healing through nurturing relationships with animals. Our long-term vision includes a shift in societal norms, reducing both animal exploitation and human vulnerability through education and empowerment.

Mission 

Our mission is to provide safe spaces for both animals and humans, particularly horses and vulnerable individuals, to heal and thrive through mutual empowerment. We are guided by the ethical principles of the Five Freedoms for Animal Welfare and an additional Sixth Freedom, namely the Freedom from Being Property. We advocate for the treatment of animals as partners rather than possessions.

Why horses?

Horses are some of the most sensitive flight animals. They can mirror the emotions of humans and have successfully participated in healing interventions to heal human trauma. 

Why ‘The Six Freedoms”?

We are dedicated to promoting the welfare of domesticated horses in Ghana and more broadly. Our approach is based on the Five Freedoms for Animals recognised by the World Organisation for Animal Health. To this we add a sixth freedom. The Six Freedoms are:

1. Freedom from Hunger and Thirst. By ready access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigour.
2. Freedom from Discomfort. By providing an appropriate environment, including shelter and a comfortable resting area.
3. Freedom from Pain, Injury, and Disease. By prevention or rapid diagnosis and treatment.
4. Freedom to Express Normal Behaviour. By providing sufficient space, proper facilities, and company of the animal’s own kind.
5. Freedom from Fear and Distress. By ensuring conditions and treatment which avoid mental suffering.
6. Freedom from Being Property: Advocating for the ethical treatment of animals as partners rather than possessions, reflecting the views of thinkers like Tom Regan, Peter Singer, Martha Nussbaum, Alasdair MacIntyre and Regina E. F. David, who argue that the elimination of animals’ status as property is crucial for preventing their exploitation and abuse.

Our objectives

1. Animal Welfare with a Critical Stance:
   While committed to promoting humane treatment and protection for horses, THE SIX FREEDOMS is critical of traditional animal welfare models that allow animals to be exploited for profit. Drawing on the ideas of philosophers like Tom Regan and Gary Francione, we reject the commodification of animals and advocate for their treatment as partners, not property.
2. Limitations and Systemic Change:
   We acknowledge the difficulty of completely abolishing the exploitation of horses in contexts such as beach riding and racing, especially where economic hardship prevails. Rather than blaming those directly involved, we focus on changing broader social structures and policies through awareness, youth empowerment, and education.
3. Collaboration with Stakeholders for Long-Term Change:
   We work with horse owners, policymakers, and communities to gradually reduce the exploitation of animals while respecting economic realities. We aim to shift public perceptions and practices over time, fostering long-term systemic change.
4. Human Empowerment:
   We empower children with special gifts, survivors of SGBV, and marginalised communities through horse-assisted therapy, encouraging personal growth, healing, and self-discovery.
5. One Health Principle:
   We promote a holistic approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, aligning with the One Health principle in our collaborations with professionals across diverse sectors.
6. Advocacy and Education:
   We raise awareness about the “violence link” (i.e. the connection between domestic violence and animal abuse) and advocate for change through education and community engagement.
7. Interdisciplinary Collaboration:
   We build networks with professionals from animal welfare, human health, education, and environmental care sectors to enhance the impact of our work through knowledge-sharing and interdisciplinary partnerships.

“Animals have a right to be treated with respect and dignity, not as mere property or resources for human use.”
Regan, Tom (1983).

The Problem we are facing

The problem we are facing in Ghana highlights a systemic gap in welfare and resource management. Historical changes have left both horses and their caretakers in precarious conditions, with limited infrastructure and support. Addressing these challenges requires a pragmatic approach to ensure sustainable welfare for both animals and the communities that depend on them.

History

Six Freedoms was in 2021 by Dr. Ulla Deventer to save the lives of four horses suffering from life-threatening infections.Six Freedoms was successful in obtaining funding and capacity building support from Animal Kind International. Not only were the lives of the four horses saved, but Six Freedoms has since grown into a recognized, community-networked organization providing outreach and rescue services to communities and horses in Accra and surrounds. Six Freedom has, for example, engaged in preventative care missions. This enabled the organization to connect with numerous smaller stables to which it provides support services including knowledge, feeding supplements, farrier services and emergency aid.

Anykind of support makes a difference

For more Information visit our partner organisation – Animal Kind International– or our Instagram Page @thesixfreedoms. If you like to support us click below

SUPPORT

The Six Freedom Dream

THE SIX FREEDOMS envisions a future where neglected and abused horses, children, and survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) thrive together in a sanctuary of healing and empowerment. By fostering deep, transformative connections between humans and horses, we aim to create non-judgmental spaces that promote resilience, self-discovery, and personal growth.

Our approach integrates the holistic One Health philosophy, recognizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental well-being. We challenge societal norms by advocating for the recognition of animals not as property, but as partners in mutual respect and empathy-filled relationships. We aspire to establish a vivid and spacious sanctuary and training center, where individuals learn to live with animals as partners, fostering an ethos of compassion and collaboration. Here, horses and humans can heal, rebuild self-esteem, and find strength to envision a life filled with freedom and possibility. Through these transformative practices,

THE SIX FREEDOMS aims to cultivate a community of belonging, dignity, and hope, empowering individuals to reclaim their agency and embrace a brighter future.

We are looking forward reaching sponsors to set up our one holistic care center as a safe space for humans and to kick start empowerment training with horses for children and the youth.

With our established and consistently growing network of professionals, we seek to really change the situation of horses and People for the better. , raising awareness for the importance of TRUST AND CARE, based on our philosophy of the SIX FREEDOMS and ONE HEALTH.