The animal rights movement is well-organized and well-funded.   Animal rights groups have ample ways and means of reaching the hearts and minds of the American public with their misleading, anti-research messages.

There are more than 75 animal rights groups operating in America today, and aggressive fundraising campaigns have put sizeable war chests at their disposal. PETA brought in over $28 million dollars from donations and profits in 2004, while the Humane Society of the United States earned nearly $75 millon.  The animal rights newsletter Animal People reviews each year how animal rights groups of all stripes raise and spend their money.  AMP has summarized the FY 2005 results of the groups most involved in opposing biomedical research.  

Such tremendous resources give activists the capability to orchestrate extensive, expensive and persuasive multimedia campaigns.  And unlike true animal welfare organizations, which provide direct help to animals, the funds raised by animal rights groups often go to support publicity and propaganda to advance their radical positions.

So why does the public continue to give to animal rights groups so generously?  It’s not because the public backs their agenda.  In fact, polls show that the majority of Americans do support the responsible use of animals in research.  The public continues to give to animal rights groups because most people don’t understand  the difference between animal welfare and animal rights.  They falsely believe their dollars are going directly to improve the lives of animals.

In comparison, the handful of non-profit organizations dedicated to informing the public of the humane and necessary use of animals in research operate on extremely modest budgets.  For example, the operating budget of Americans for Medical Progress was just over $500,000 in FY 2004.  Click here to find out how you can support the mission and work of AMP.