AAVS News
March 30, 2026
Celebrating our founder and Women’s History Month
Did you know that AAVS was founded by a woman? Caroline Earle White established AAVS in 1883 to prevent Philadelphia doctors from using stray and stolen dogs in their horrific experiments. We’re very proud of her work and our history, and Women’s History Month is the perfect opportunity to honor her lasting influence.
White and a group of dedicated women opened the first U.S. animal shelter in Philadelphia in 1869, where homeless dogs and cats could be safe from cruelty and adopted into loving homes. Experimenters demanded to use sheltered dogs in their vivisection laboratories, but White and her colleagues always refused. White knew the horrible fates of dogs used in experiments and believed in a separate organization dedicated to ending the use of animals in research. And so began the American Anti-Vivisection Society.
White devoted most of her life to the protection of animals and other important social issues, and she was a pioneer of the animal rights movement. AAVS is proud to continue White’s legacy of advocating for animals, and we hope you are, too!
Other News
Ethical Consideration for Animals in Labs
In an interview with Marc Bekoff in Psychology Today, veterinarian Larry Carbone gives an insider’s view of animal research, discussing the ethical concerns of exploiting animals in science. Author of The Hidden Lives of Lab Animals: A Vet’s Vision for a More Humane Future, Carbone spent decades as a veterinarian in animal research labs. He argues that better welfare and reduced reliance on animal models will lead to better science. He also encourages students to get involved in science and invent alternatives that can replace animal use.
Alternatives Ready to Reduce Reliance on Animal Tests
Image by Donna Beer Stolz, University of Pittsburgh
FDA, NIH Support for Alternatives
The Food and Drug Administration has released draft guidance that provides a framework for drug developers to demonstrate that alternatives to the use of animals in research and testing are scientifically credible, reliable, and fit for intended use. In other promising news, the National Institutes of Health announced that it will contribute $150 million in funding toward developing human-based models that can simulate conditions such as gynecological disorders, neurological disorders, and heart disease.
Sanctuary Moment
Save the Chimps
Ever wonder if animals living in sanctuaries get special treats? They sure do! Treats are used to deliver medication, ensure a healthy diet, and provide enrichment. But just like your cat or dog at home, sometimes they get them just for fun.
At Save the Chimps, a long-time recipient of AAVS sanctuary grants, Chef Josh makes sure the chimpanzees get a steady diet of fresh fruit, leafy greens, and vegetables, but he also makes the residents goodies like PB&J plantain cups. Made with coconut milk, peanut butter, cinnamon, and strawberries, this healthy, fun snack always sparks excitement among the chimps. And they sound delish!
Save the Chimps is active on social media and recently posted the recipe for the PB&J plantain cups. Check it out! Better yet, try the recipe at home and let us know how they taste.