Why did rescue groups unite and form UFAJ?
UFAJ was formed by about ten local rescue groups to work with local governments as animal advocates, to improve conditions for animals that are abused or neglected by their owners, and to educate the local communities on responsible animal care. To date UFAJ has primarily focused on assisting the county government with their efforts to improve the county kennel. In the future it is quite likely that UFAJ will also work with other local governments such as mayor's offices, police departments, and prosecutor's offices on behalf of stray and neglected animals.
With our size, determination, teamwork, and commitment, we will succeed in making major improvements in animal treatment. It's all about their welfare!
How do the purposes of UFAJ differ from those of Rescue groups?
Most rescue groups focus on "pulling" dogs from county pounds and kennels, taking owner relinquishments of cats and dogs, "vetting" animals, fostering animals, hosting adoption events, and performing house visits. The local rescue groups (many of them are listed on this website) do a tremendous job of performing these functions and UFAJ does not see a need for UFAJ to do these functions. Rather UFAJ compliments these functions by working on spay and neuter programs to reduce the currently overwhelming number of animals that need to be rescued and by assisting the county kennel.
