#United States #Chicago #animal rights #NAVS #Research Violations

NAVS Releases Groundbreaking Audit on Animal Care

The National Anti-Vivisection Society (NAVS) has recently unveiled its second annual Laboratory Animal Care Audit, revealing significant violations within U.S. research laboratories. Published on October 1, 2025, this report sheds light on the troubling conditions that laboratory animals endure, presenting a comprehensive evaluation of animal care standards over the past year.

Overview of the Audit Findings

This year's report documents violations across 78 facilities located in 32 states, including the District of Columbia. The findings are stark, with 37% of the violating laboratories being repeat offenders from the previous year's audit. Notably, only four laboratories received fines for their transgressions, raising concerns about the enforcement of animal welfare regulations.

The audit highlights a range of alarming practices, including:

• - Basic Veterinary Neglect: Many facilities have failed to meet fundamental veterinary care standards, resulting in undue pain and suffering for the animals.
• - Procedural Pain Without Relief: Disturbingly, animals are subjected to painful interventions without adequate anesthetic or pain relief.
• - Improper Handling: The report also documents instances of improper handling that led to injuries among the animals, underscoring a lack of training among staff.
• - Environmental Deficiencies: Numerous facilities were cited for inadequate living conditions, failing to provide suitable housing and environmental enrichment to enhance the wellbeing of the animals.

Insights from the NAVS

The NAVS emphasizes that these findings stem from rigorous analysis of USDA inspection records and self-reported compliance data from the laboratories themselves—providing a clear, unembellished view of the state of animal welfare in research environments. The intention behind this audit is not merely to critique but to foster transparency and accountability within the industry.

By making this information publicly accessible, NAVS aims to inform and engage stakeholders, including the public and policymakers, in meaningful discussions about the ethical treatment of research animals.

A Call to Action

In light of these distressing findings, the NAVS invites readers and supporters to take action in advocating for improved animal care standards in laboratories. They encourage those concerned with animal welfare to join their movement for humane scientific research that prioritizes compassion and ethical considerations.

The complete Laboratory Animal Care Audit is available for download on the NAVS website for those wishing to explore the data in greater depth. Media representatives and the general public are urged to examine the findings to gain insight into the ongoing issues facing laboratory animals in the U.S.

About the NAVS

Founded in 1929, the National Anti-Vivisection Society (NAVS) is a non-profit organization committed to ending the exploitation of animals in laboratories. Through education, advocacy, and legislative initiatives, NAVS aims to replace archaic animal-testing methods with innovative, humane alternatives. In their pursuit of this mission, NAVS remains at the forefront of animal rights advocacy, championing a future aligned with scientific and ethical progress.

For further inquiries or expert opinions, interested parties can reach out to Jerome Schwich, the Communications Director at NAVS, at [email protected]. Explore their resources and initiatives on their website and social media platforms to stay updated on animal welfare issues.

Together, we can contribute to a world where animals are respected, valued, and cared for, ensuring that their suffering in research facilities is a thing of the past.