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The National Anti-Vivisection Society was founded as a nonprofit organization in 1929. Its mission statement reads: “NAVS promotes greater compassion, respect and justice for animals through educational programs based on respected ethical and scientific theory and supported by extensive documentation of the cruelty and waste of vivisection.” The organization strives to eliminate the use of animals in experiments for product testing, education and scientific research. According to its financial reports, NAVS spent $2.28 million in 2005. Of that, 77.69 percent was spent on programs and education, 9.49 percent on administration, and 12.82 percent on fundraising.

What is Vivisection?

“Vivisection” is the term used to describe dissection and other injurious experiments on animals, both living and dead. The anti-vivisectionists oppose animal experimentation because it is inhumane to animals and because it does not provide scientifically accurate information applicable to humans. The organization contends that there are humane alternatives that can yield scientifically valid results. NAVS estimates that laboratories experiment on as many as 100 million animals, including rats, mice, guinea pigs, dogs, cats, rabbits, nonhuman primates and farm animals.

Animals in Product Testing

NAVS provides a comprehensive online searchable database of cosmetic, personal care and household products and companies that are considered cruelty-free. The organization also publishes Personal Care for People Who Care, a print guide of companies that do not test their products on animals.

Animals in Education

NAVS has several resources to help teachers and students use humane alternatives to dissection and other animal experiments in the classroom and at science fairs.

• BioLEAP Dissection Hotline - By calling 1-800-922-FROG, students can get information about humane alternatives to dissection in biology and related classes.
  
  
• BioLeap Lending Library - NAVS maintains a collection of materials that can be loaned out to students and teachers for free. These include synthetic models, computer software, videos and lab books. NAVS also provides downloadable handbooks for elementary, high school and college students who are interested in seeking dissection alternatives. In addition, NAVS has developed a sample student-choice policy, with accompanying presentation and letter, for those who want to encourage their local school to support humane alternatives in the classroom.

Animal Law and Legislation

NAVS has dedicated a section of its website to the “Legal Arena.” This area features information about existing laws and regulations, pending legislation and the government agencies charged with enforcement. In addition, NAVS has developed these legal-related programs:

• International Institute for Animal Law – The Institute is an independent nonprofit organization established by NAVS. Partnering with attorneys and judges, the organization works to further animal law as a discipline and to support animal protection laws in society.
  
  
• AnimalLaw.com – This website is a central clearinghouse of animal-related case law and model laws, with a comprehensive bibliography of animal law resources.
  
  
• National Research Library for Animal Advocacy – The research library is a joint project of NAVS and The John Marshall Law School. Its programs cover various aspects of the emerging field of animal law, from property law and nuisance laws to criminal law and public policy.