| | | | | NEWS HIGHLIGHTS July 2021 |  Milestone of Progress for Alternatives The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has approved a new testing guideline to assess a chemical’s ability to cause an allergic reaction on the skin, without the use of animals. This is the first time that such an alternative approach to replace an animal test has been approved by an international group. When put into practice, this alternative will spare countless animals from enormous pain and suffering. The guideline outlines a testing strategy that relies on a Defined Approach (DA), in which a specific combination of non-animal test methods is used to generate data that is then compared to known values and analyzed. This strategy overcomes the limitations of a one-to-one replacement of an animal test that cannot always give a complete assessment of a chemical’s characteristics. The development of these guidelines was led by the U.S. agency, ICVAAM, as well as the European Commission and Health Canada, and with the support of a nominated group of experts. The OECD is an international group consisting of 38 countries, including the U.S., that provides a platform for industry, science organizations, and government agencies to share ideas and technology, work together to solve similar problems, and coordinate international practices and policies. Under the OECD’s bylaws, member countries are required to follow the organization’s recommendations and approvals, so its guidance has far-reaching impact. |
|  A recent United Nations Political Forum issued a Ministerial Declaration acknowledging the link between humans, animals, and the environment. It states, “We call for increased ambition and urgency of action to protect wildlife and other living species…including by ending the illegal and unsustainable trade and consumption of wildlife….” The World Federation for Animals (WFA), of which AAVS is a founding member, played an important leadership role in ensuring that animals are part of the UN agenda. READ MORE » |  Medical testing on animals is morally wrong, according to 44% of Americans who responded to Gallup’s annual moral issues survey. That’s an increase of 18% since 2001 when the survey was first given. The survey also found that an overwhelming majority of Americans (63%) think that animal cloning is wrong. READ MORE » | | | |
| | SANCTUARY MOMENT: Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest |  The Lucky Six Chimps are Home!Cy, Rayne, Gordo, Terry, Lucky and Dora have arrived at their new sanctuary home at Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest (CSNW) in Washington state. The Lucky Six had previously lived at the Wildlife Waystation in southern California until the facility suddenly closed in 2019. Although the Six have only been at CSNW for less than two weeks, they are quickly settling in and enjoying their new digs! Lucky and Dora especially like to spend time in the greenhouse, with grass under their feet, climbing structures, and a view of what awaits them when their 30-day quarantine period is over and they can fully explore their expansive outdoor habitat. While we are thrilled for the Lucky Six, there are 26 more chimpanzees waiting at the Wildlife Waystation to be placed in sanctuaries, which need to expand in order to provide them with proper care. To date, and thanks to the generosity of our supporters, AAVS has been able to provide $85,000 in funding to help in the sanctuary expansion effort. Millions more are needed. But you can help! WATCH THE VIDEO » | | | | | | |
