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Annual report 2005

Posted: 30 April 2007

In 2005 we continued to make a difference for animals, creating awareness in the media; political lobbying; undercover investigations; animal rescues and publishing reports. We educated public, media and parliamentarians on alternatives to the use of animals in research; animals in entertainment; continued to save animals with our LDF projects and rescued some animals along the way. We expanded the global impact of our circus campaigns with launches in Portugal, Norway and Ireland and with the opening of our new office in the US.

The major political challenges that faced us were the EU’s proposed chemical regulations (REACH) and the UK Government’s Animal Welfare Bill. Such political initiatives are peppered with pitfalls and challenges; it is our role to fight hard for the animals. I often see this as the role of ADI and NAVS in society as a whole – to lead and help formulate public opinion. We are the cutting edge of new thinking about the other species with whom we share our planet.

Our circus campaign turned the Government’s position from “no bans” to (in 2006) “we will ban certain non-domesticated species”. On REACH we secured almost every demand from our first postcard campaign, which will save millions of lab animals’ lives.

The social awareness challenges during the year were a significant increase in examples of decadent, morally repugnant use and abuse of animals in entertainment, especially reality TV shows and advertising. This step back to the uncivilised savagery of the past was also prevalent on the fashion catwalks, with the return of fur. These challenges were met with vigorous lobbying campaigns and several ads were withdrawn.

Sometimes we feel overwhelmed by these challenges; just when it appears we have made some headway, someone somewhere comes up with a new way to abuse animals. However we must never lose sight of the fact that we have come a very long way.

For NAVS and ADI, success is inevitable – it is now a matter of time. We have climbed the mountain of public indifference and ignorance of the past and we are striding across the valley of success. Our supporter base is increasing, and we have won credibility in the media and political arenas. We just have to keep going.

We are extremely gratified with the progress we have made during the year; our campaigns have been hugely successful; our investigations go from strength to strength; our increasingly sophisticated and thoroughly-researched publications are reaching wider and wider audiences – but there is more to do.

We hope that you enjoy reading this report of our activities during 2005 and that you share our feelings of pride in our work combined with the knowledge and determination that there is a great deal more to be achieved. We hope that it inspires you to do more for animals in 2006.

Click here to download the full report (PDF)

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