"Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Commission feels strongly that these victims of cruelty should be afforded the opportunity for fair evaluation," said Karen Sparapani, executive director of MADACC.

"We are thrilled to be working with Animal Farm Foundation on this project as they will provide much needed expertise and assistance beyond what MADACC is able to offer."

AFF – a not-for-profit foundation dedicated to securing equal treatment for dogs – will work with MADACC to determine which dogs will be considered for adoption and to identify the current needs of each dog. 

The AFF-led evaluation will assess each dog using a standardized program known as Marder Match-Up II. Once the evaluations are completed, they will provide recommendations for possible outcomes and placement for each of the dogs to MADACC.

Stacey Coleman, executive director of AFF, said, "MADACC has made the appropriate and compassionate choice to evaluate and determine the needs of each dog as an individual. Our previous work has taught us that victims of animal cruelty cannot and should not be considered as merely the sum of their past experiences, nor is their past an accurate predictor of their future behavior or suitability for placement as family pets.

"We are glad to be working with Karen and the MADACC team to get to know these dogs as individuals in order to better serve both the dogs and the community."

AFF will continue to assist MADACC in order to help transition the dogs into various adoption programs. All the placements will be made through partnering shelters and rescue groups who will receive informational support.