In Memoriam Tom 1965 – 2009 Tom suffered for 30 years in a lab. It was unnecessary. There are alternatives. Pass the Great Ape Protection Act, H.R. 1326. REPORT 2009 • ANNUAL President’s Year End Message “For it is in giving that we receive.” — Saint Francis of Assisi Stepping Into the Next Decade NEAVS – Your Organization NEW ENGLAND I am amazed, when I take inventory, at how first legislation of its kind, which would extend ANTI-VIVISECTION One of the oldest animal advocacy organizations in the country, NEAVS focuses on ending the use of animals in science, SOCIETY many years have passed, how much has been to a non-human species the right to be pro- accomplished, enjoyed, learned, lost, and tected from science by ending invasive research and advocating for the development and use of modern alternatives. You — our members — as well as the Board and staff, 333 Washington Street gained. As our 2009 Annual Report thresholds and testing on chimpanzees and retiring them are the heart and soul of how NEAVS’ work gets done. Suite 850 a new decade, I would like to do a brief review to permanent sanctuary. By the end of 2009, the Boston, MA 02108 of the last decade of work to end the use of bill boasted 140+ cosponsors and the support Leadership Advancing Alternatives animals in laboratories and science education. of millions of voting, taxpaying Americans, in- tel: 617.523.6020 Seeing how far we have come gives us renewed cluding physicians, scientists and others taking The Board of Directors are animal protection leaders who NEAVS is a co-founder of various national and international fax: 617.523.7925 energy, optimism, and spirit because no mat- a stand against cruel, status quo science. share a common strength of purpose and character. coalitions — maximizing resources, expertise, and greater suc- email: [email protected] ter how demanding the journey, we are getting Brief biography highlights: cesses for animals: where we need to go. These accomplishments add to our continuum www.neavs.org of progress as we slide down that “slippery • Theodora Capaldo, EdD, President /Executive Director • American Fund for Alternatives to Animal Re- www.releasechimps.org Since 2000, there have been four World slope” of compassion that our opponents worry (1998–present) — licensed psychologist; past President of search (AFAAR): NEAVS and AFAAR have worked 2010 Series Congresses on Alternatives and Animal Use in about when even the smallest advance is made Psychologists for the Ethical Treatment of Animals; current closely for decades, including jointly sponsoring alterna- Vol 11 No. 1 Special the Life Sciences. Thousands of scientists have to protect animals. They need be warned that Trustee of the American Fund for Alternatives to Animal Re- tives development. AFAAR currently funds a Dr. Ethel met in major world cities to present the latest animal protection organizations, U.S. citizens, search; and author/co-author of several papers and articles Thurston Memorial Scholarship for doctoral students cover photo credit research on alternatives and discuss progress to and legislators are showing the world that com- on animal issues (see pg. 5). committed to developing, validating, and using alterna- Tom © M. Seres refine, reduce, and replace the use of animals in passion will prevail. tives to animals. NEAVS President, Dr. Theodora Capaldo, research and testing. • Lorin Lindner, PhD, MPH, Vice President — licensed currently serves as AFAAR’s Trustee. Visit www.Alterna- The New England Anti- My list of the decade’s accomplishments could psychologist and preventative health educator; founder/ tivesToAnimalResearch.org. Vivisection Society (NEAVS) Over the last decade, we have arrived at a full include many more examples, but what I have director of Serenity Park Sanctuary, an ecotherapy program is a national animal advocacy 96% of medical schools no longer using live included will hopefully serve you to feel proud for veterans who work with rescued parrots, wolfdogs, and • Mandatory Alternatives Petition (MAP): NEAVS is organization founded in 1895. animals in their training, while 50% of veteri- to be a part of this good work! I have been with horses; and author/co-author of several papers and book a founder of this four-organization coalition that has peti- NEAVS’ mission is to end the nary schools no longer require terminal labs. NEAVS since that fateful day in elementary chapters on animals and the environment. tioned the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to mandate cruelty and waste of animal Animal-friendly science education, for which school when I was first introduced to the plight the use of scientifically proven testing methods that replace experiments and replace them willingness to hurt or kill animals is no longer a of animals in labs via a NEAVS magazine. I • Sarah Luick, Esq, Treasurer — attorney who serves as a the use of animals, which would bring protection to millions with modern alternatives requirement, promises future scientists, physi- have been proud to serve NEAVS as its presi- Massachusetts’ Administrative Law Judge; and serves on of animals who suffer and die as a result of outdated and that are ethically, humanely, cians, and veterinarians of compassion. dent since 1998. During this time, I have prayed the boards of the Animal Legal Defense Fund, the Mas- inhumane testing. Visit www.alternatives-petition.org. and scientifically superior. for the continued wisdom and energy to do the sachusetts Animal Coalition, and Citizens to End Animal Through educational programs, Our review reminds us that in 2000 the prece- task at hand. I have sighed in joy and relief after Suffering and Exploitation. • Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmet- publications, legislation, and dent-setting Chimpanzee Health Improvement, each of the many accomplishments NEAVS has ics (CCIC): Through CCIC, NEAVS, a founding member, campaigns, NEAVS advocates Maintenance, and Protection (CHIMP) Act made or been a critical part of. I look back with • Betsy Swart, MSW, Corporate Clerk — 30-year career promotes a single comprehensive cruelty-free standard for animals in laboratories, was passed, fueling current legislative efforts to gratitude for being a part of this great work, this history working for several national animal protection and for cosmetic, personal care, and household products via product testing, medical and finish the job it began (see Great Ape Protec- amazing organization, and for knowing some of environmental organizations; current Director of the Am- CCIC’s internationally recognized Leaping Bunny logo. The veterinary schools, and public tion Act, pg. 4). It elevated a species other than the most precious people on the planet — you, boseli Trust for Elephants; and author of several articles logo makes shopping for animal-friendly products easier and private classrooms. Homo sapiens to moral and legal consideration our supporters, our Board, staff, and friends. and papers on animals, women, and the environment. and assures consumers that the product has met the high- by providing for the retirement and lifetime And, I have been blessed with knowing hun- est standards. care of chimpanzees no longer “needed” in dreds of animals who have benefited from our research and by prohibiting their euthanasia for collective compassion and who have been our Be a part of NEAVS’ legacy of good work by a lab’s convenience. teachers. making us a part of your legacy. Over the last decade, the National Center for So to all of you, thank you for a wonderful and To our supporters, thank you for making all that NEAVS Research Resources ended funding for breeding successful 2009, and for being there with us does a reality and for ensuring that our work continues chimpanzees for research, making the voluntary as we move into 2010 and our next decade of until all animals are out of labs and science classrooms breeding moratorium of 1995 permanent. Later, progress begins! Have YOU signed the the “Chimp Haven is Home Act” amendment for good. We invite you to make NEAVS’ work a lasting pledge to go part of your legacy by remembering NEAVS in your estate prohibited “retired” chimpanzees in federal cruelty-free? sanctuary from ever being returned to research, planning. Contact Jennifer Campbell, Director of Member bringing the CHIMP Act full circle. Services, for more information at 617-523-6020 ext. 12 or [email protected]. Visit leapingbunny.org! As the decade was coming to a close, a “dream team” of bipartisan legislators introduced the Theodora Capaldo, EdD Great Ape Protection Act (H.R.1326) — the “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” – Nelson Mandela Strategic Action Doing our Homework Setting the Strategy NEAVS’ Project R&R campaign has Through research published in peer-reviewed journals, NEAVS/Project R&R exposes the harm, suffering, and scientific inef- led to nationwide support and action for fectiveness of chimpanzee research. We continue to build a library of scientific data — in 2009, two more important papers To dismantle the vivisec- great apes. were published (see below). In addition to our papers, NEAVS/Project R&R submitted information to leading media outlets, tion industry and end animal including “Project R&R’s Complete Response to Hepatitis C Drug,” submitted to the LA Times as a Letter to the Editor in suffering at the hands of 2009 Highlights December, and others. outdated science, we must set a strategy. Strategic The response to our scientific work has been far-reaching. Project R&R and the authors receive worldwide requests for cop- thinking and long-term plan- Federal Outreach ies/abstracts, inspire doctoral students to focus their own research in similar areas, motivate other animal protection organiza- ning guarantee that today’s tions to undertake their own studies into the inefficacy and harm associated with chimpanzee research, and field a myriad of • Submitted comments to the U.S.