About ARFF


	The Animal Rights Foundation of Florida (ARFF) is a non-profit organization devoted to promoting respect and compassion for non-human animals. ARFF was founded in 1989 by a small group of dedicated volunteers, and has grown to more than 4,000 members. We reach out to the public through demonstrations, letters to the editor, paid advertising, and personal appearances by our spokespersons on radio, television, and in school classrooms. We also promote the well-being of animals through meetings with, and campaigns directed at, industry and community decision-makers. ARFF Officers and Coordinators President and Founder: Nanci Alexander Vice President: Caren Lesser Secretary/Treasurer: Laura Guttridge Managing Director: Heather Veleanu Coordinators: Don Agony, Jim Dunn, Bryan Wilson and Carla Wilson 2007 Year in Review click here Accomplishments Introduced and successfully passed carriage-horse bans in the cities of Deerfield Beach and Pompano Beach. ARFF was one of four leading organizations instrumental in the passage of a Florida constitutional amendment banning gestation crates. The initiative was the first time in United States history that a specific factory farming practice was banned. Championed successful animal fighting legislation which prohibits the keeping and training of animals for fighting, and dealing in animal fighting implements, and makes attending a fight a felony. Instrumental in passage of landmark animal display ban in the City of Hollywood (1989). Responsible for passage in Florida of the Pet Shop Humane Euthanasia Bill to end inhumane methods of killing pet shop animals. Helped pass an ordinance in the city of Sarasota prohibiting live bird shoots. Influential in the USDA canceling plans to use live pigs to test an incinerator. Ended annual dove hunts sponsored by the Boy Scouts of Florida. Prompted the cancellation of numerous petting zoos and other animal exhibits in the state. Supplied emergency disaster relief for dogs and cats following the devastating Hurricane Andrew. Prompted cancellation of feral-cat extermination at Florida Atlantic University. Opened a free mobile spay/neuter clinic in response to South Florida’s dog and cat overpopulation crises. ARFF’s mobile video theater, the ARFF TV, travels throughout the state exposing the violence of the entertainment industry, factory farm abuses, and the horrors of the fur industry. Ongoing Activities We hold numerous demonstrations and outreach events to educate the public about animal exploitation. ARFF spokespersons speak regularly on radio, TV, at schools and before civic groups about animal rights issues. ARFF volunteers table regularly at Florida fairs and festivals. Rescue efforts involving companion animals, farm animals and wildlife are an important ongoing effort. Member Involvement Our volunteers are the heart of our organization. An active e-mail list and quarterly newsletter alerts members to upcoming demonstrations and the need for targeted letters. Skilled volunteers take on various outreach projects on behalf of animals. Please check the Action Alerts and Campaigns pages for what you can do to help the animals!