Through educational activism, PAR addresses a variety of issues that directly impact animals. We have provided an overview of some of these issues, with links for you to learn more and to find out how you can help!

* (Note that Factory Farming has a whole section of its own - see blue sidebar for that link)

Animals in Labs:
Each year, millions of non-human animals are tortured and killed for the sake of research. They are burned, starved, irradiated, shocked, mutilated, kept in isolation, poisoned, drugged, electrocuted, and the list goes on and on. The use of non-human animals in laboratory testing is scientifically unjustifiable, and the suffering endured by the animals is unconscionable.

To learn more about the use of animals in research check out these sites:
http://www.curedisease.com - Americans for Medical Advancement
http://www.wwail.org/ - In Defense of Animals World Week for Animals in Labs
http://www.aavs.org/ - American Anti-Vivisection Society
http://www.pcrm.org/ - Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine
http://www.vivisection.net/ - Last Chance for Animals - Vivesection
http://www.vivisection.net/ - Humane Society of the U.S.
http://www.navs.org/ - National Anti-Vivisection Society

Animals in Entertainment:
In contrast to the glamour associated with circuses, performing animals spend most of their time caged in box cars, chained under tents, or being "trained" to do tricks. Because animals do not naturally ride bicycles, stand on their heads, or jump through rings of fire, whips, electric prods, and other tools are often used to force them to "perform."

Learn more about animals in circuses, rodeos and other forms of "entertainment" by following the links below:
http://www.circuses.com/ - Circuses.com
http://www.bucktherodeo.com/ - Bucktherodeo.com
http://www.hsus.org/ace/12019"> - Humane Society of US: Circuses
http://www.pawsweb.org/ - Performing Animal Welfare Society

Companion Animal Overpopulation:
An estimated 4 -6 million cats and dogs are killed in shelters across the U.S. each year. Millions more are abandoned or die of neglect. Until companion animal birth rates are aligned with the number of good homes available, this tragedy will continue.

Unaltered animals that are allowed to produce unwanted offspring and professional breeding are largely responsible for this crisis of overpopulation. Every year, numerous animal organizations try to save lives by caring for, and attempting to adopt out, millions of animals who, through no fault of their own, are born without an awaiting home, can no longer be cared for by their families, have been abused or abandoned, or are just lost, but have no identification and therefore no way back home. You can help by having your companion animals spayed or neutered. And please, make sure your animals have proper identification at all times!

Learn more by checking out these sites:
http://www.palc.org/ - Prevent a Litter Coalition
http://www.ddaf.org/SpayDay/ - SpayDay USA - the Doris Day Animal League
http://www.hsus.org/ace/11829 - Humane Society of US -Pet Overpopulation http://www.hsus.org/ace/11829
http://www.alleycat.org/ - Alley Cat Allies

Genetically Modified Organisms & Organic Food:
Within recent years, the biotechnology industry has launched a massive enterprise to genetically restructure our food supply. Hundreds of genetically altered plants and animals are being developed in laboratories, and many varieties of such foods are on grocery shelves. It's estimated that 60 to 70% of packaged foods already contain ingredients from bioengineered organisms. In most cases, biotechnicians circumvent natural cross-breeding barriers by forcibly splicing a gene from one species into organisms of a distant, dissimilar species to endow them with a trait they do not normally possess -- with the result that grains, fruits and vegetables are being implanted with genes from viruses, bacteria, animals, and even humans. If the process continues as planned, the genetic blueprints of the majority of the world's edible plants and animals will be permanently changed.

GMO & organic food related sites:http://www.biointegrity.org/
Alliance for Bio-Integrity
http://organicconsumers.org/"> - Organic Consumers Association
http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop/ - National Organic Program - US government
http://ota.com/ - Organic Trade Association

Pet Theft:
It is estimated that 1.5-2 million dogs and cats are stolen every year off the street, from owners' property and by deception through "free-to-good-home" ads. These companion animals are taken by thieves or "bunchers" and are often then sold to research facilities.<more>

Fur:
Behind the "glamorous" image of fur coats lies the reality of animal pain, suffering, and death. Every year, millions of animals are killed in traps, wire snares, or on factory fur farms - all to satisfy the exclusive minority of people who want the "luxury" of fur.<more>