Animals in Research /
The tide may be turning for dogs and other animals in laboratories
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
The things that make beagles wonderful companion animals are also the things that have led to their extensive use as laboratory test subjects: They are friendly, good-natured and easy to handle. U.S. laboratories use more than 40,000 of these gentle animals in experiments every year. But we are continuing to advocate for a fundamental shift that would result in a steep decline in the number of dogs and other animals in laboratories.
Animals in Research, In the News /
Good news! US keeps moving away from animal testing and research with major NIH announcement
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
It’s estimated that more than 50 million mice, rats, dogs, cats, monkeys, rabbits and other animals endure experiments in U.S. laboratories each year. The sheer scale of this animal suffering is hard to imagine, but thanks to new commitments to phase out animal testing and prioritize replacing animals in research, things could soon drastically change.
Animals in Research, Pets & Cruelty, Wildlife, Federal Legislation /
US Congress has a new chance to take meaningful stand for animals
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
There are leaders in the U.S. Congress stepping up to meet the need for enhanced Animal Welfare Act enforcement through the Better Collaboration, Accountability, and Regulatory Enforcement (CARE) for Animals Act.
There’s a new chance to strengthen the Animal Welfare Act’s enforcement in the U.S., and such progress cannot come soon enough for animals currently languishing in facilities such as research laboratories, roadside zoos and puppy mills that aren’t meeting minimal standards of care.
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Volunteers give their time and their hearts to help animals—and we’re grateful
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
Volunteers are the beating heart of the animal protection movement, and their engagement is a lifeline for animals. So much of the good we can accomplish flows directly from the selfless service of people who give their time, energy, expertise, labor or funds to the cause. It makes all the difference.
We see it every day.
Pets & Cruelty, Federal Legislation, State Legislation /
Victory for dogs and cats: 500 US localities have passed humane pet store laws
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
Our fight to end puppy mill cruelty has reached a milestone well worth celebrating: 500 localities across the U.S. have banned the sale of puppy mill puppies in pet shops.
Animals in Research, In the News /
Relief! Last chimps freed from New Mexico laboratory have arrived at Chimp Haven sanctuary
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
After 50 years in a laboratory, Montessa is finally getting a chance to enjoy life to the fullest. The 51-year-old chimp was brought to Alamogordo Primate Facility in New Mexico in 1975 when she was just a year old. She spent her first 30 years there being used in harmful biomedical research experiments.
But a few weeks ago, after years of delays, and half a century at Alamogordo, Montessa made the journey to her new home at Chimp Haven, a lush 200-acre sanctuary in Louisiana.
State Legislation /
Virginians: Before you cast your ballot, see how your representatives scored on animal protection
The 2025 Virginia Humane Scorecard is now available online and demonstrates the commonwealth’s commitment to combatting animal testing. From nonhuman primates to dogs, state lawmakers passed critical bills defending the most vulnerable animals in our care.
Pets & Cruelty, Federal Legislation /
New Horrible Hundred report exposes US puppy mills when federal inspections could dwindle
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
At a property in Illinois buzzing with hundreds of flies, a water bucket stood empty in an enclosure where three puppies were living. When the bucket was finally refilled, a federal inspector observed the puppies as they desperately “climbed on top of each other trying to get water.” At another breeder’s property in Iowa, state inspectors found dogs who were limping and dogs with matted fur living in a “nearly overwhelming” odor of waste.
Animals in Research, In the News /
US Food and Drug Administration makes significant announcement about animal testing
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
In a sign of progress for animals used in laboratories, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has announced a strong commitment to reduce animal testing and advance new, superior approaches that don’t use animals for pharmaceutical testing.
Animals in Research, In the News /
An end to animal testing at the EPA and other federal agencies: it couldn’t come soon enough
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
Farm Animals, Federal Legislation, State Legislation /
Senators resurrect a dangerous pro-cruelty, special favors bill for Big Pork
By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block
Those who are determined to defend the cruelties of factory farming are never at a loss when it comes to sowing chaos and distortion on the subject, especially in the U.S. Congress.
