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ABOUT US

The Alabama Humane Federation consists of humane shelter/society specialists, animal control/service agencies, traditional open admission shelters, limited admission shelters, breed rescue organizations, veterinarians and individuals concerned with animal welfare issues in the state of Alabama.

The Federation has been active since the 1950s when a handful of animal loving citizens banded together to provide technical assistance to groups wanting to start private humane organizations to augment animal control agencies.

In the 1980s, the Federation focused its attention on passing animal welfare legislation, particularly anti-cruelty laws, but the going was not easy.  Animal welfare issues can be particularly challenging and early legislative efforts were tough at best. The tide began to change when the Federation joined forces with the Alabama Animal Control Association in 1990.  As the Federation grew and became more active, we realized we needed the help of our own lobbyist and then asked the Alabama Veterinary Medical Association to come on board in 1998.   In 2000 the Federation achieved its biggest success with the passage of the Pet Protection Act (AL Code Section 13A-11-240 – 247).  This would have never happened without the help of hundreds of new grassroots activists who helped educate citizens and legislators alike on the importance of increasing the penalties for cruelty to dogs and cats. 

Working beyond individual animal issues, the Federation also pushed for and achieved success with the passage of a Mandatory Spay/Neuter law for all dogs and cats adopted from animal welfare agencies in 2006.  This law helps ensure that all Alabama pet adoption agencies are part of the solution to the crisis of pet overpopulation and also helped strengthen existing adoption contracts requiring the spay/neuter of all adopted dogs and cats.   

The Federation also supports other group’s legislation and was very happy to support such recent and successful legislation as:

-         Euthanasia standards for Greyhounds (ALVMA-2003)

-         Euthanasia Certification for Animal Sheltering Organizations (ALVMA-2004)

-         Ban on unfair and unsportsmanlike hunting practices (DNR – 2006)

-         Ban on Hog-Dog Fighting (HSUS-2006)

While still active in legislative matters, the Alabama Humane Federation also helps statewide animal welfare organizations network with each other to share knowledge and improve animal care.  Federation members also worked diligently to support Maddie's Big Fix for Alabama which came about after the Federation applied for a Maddie's Fund grant.  Ending in 2004, Maddie’s Big Fix was a huge success as 36,047 animals were spayed or neutered.  The success of the “Big Fix” has lasted far beyond 2004 as more agencies have continued spay/neuter programs and Maddie’s continues to assist communities with funding for low-cost spay/neuter programs.

To help both new and existing shelters, the Federation developed “Shelter Minimum Standards” to help better define humane standards for animal care agencies.  These standards can be accessed from our website and we encourage all existing shelters and those in the development phase to use these to ensure the best possible care for the animals that depend on us for their welfare.

The Federation also works with the Alabama Animal Control Association (AACA) each year at their joint AACA/AHF Conference.  These conferences give every animal welfare agency and employee in Alabama a chance to attend professional training on animal care and control issues, often earning continuing education credits for career development.  This annual conference is also a tremendous networking opportunity as attendees meet fellow animal welfare professionals from within Alabama and experts from all over the country. 

The Alabama Humane Federation will continue the hard work to promote animal welfare and be a resource for animal care and control organizations throughout the state of Alabama.  We will only be as strong as our membership so invite all who are concerned with animal welfare to join our Federation and make your voice heard on behalf of those who cannot speak for themselves.

Questions or comments? Get in touch with us at: reacord@alabamahumanefederation.org

Mailing Address:
Alabama Humane Federation
c/o Rea Cord
2280 Weldon Road
Tallassee, Alabama 36078