125th Anniversary

Established in 1883, the American Anti-Vivisection Society (AAVS) celebrates its 125th anniversary this year. Founded by Caroline Earle White, a pioneer in establishing the animal rights movement in the U.S., AAVS has a rich history of effective animal advocacy, and is the very first organization in the U.S. dedicated to ending the use of animals in research, testing, and education.

On April 5, 2008, AAVS commemorated its 125th anniversary with a celebration dinner at the Park Hyatt at the Bellevue, in Philadelphia. Guests enjoyed a memorable evening, including a key note address by Tom Regan, noted author, photographer, and animal rights activist; presentation of the Caroline Earle White award to Shirley McGreal, Ed.D., O.B.E., founder of the International Primate Protection League (IPPL); screening of short film documenting the history of AAVS; and musical entertainment by Anna Crusis Women’s Choir, led by artistic director Jacqueline Coren.

The following afternoon, the anniversary celebration continued with “Speaking Up for Animals’ Rights – a Historical Perspective,” a panel discussion at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. Participants included panel chair Bernard Unti, Ph.D., Senior Policy Adviser and Special Assistant to the President ,Humane Society of the United States; Craig Buettinger, Ph.D., Professor of History, Jacksonville University; and Susan Finsen, Ph.D., Professor of Philosophy, California State University – San Bernardino.

Since its inception, AAVS has been fortunate to work closely with many members and supporters, as well as other respected animal organizations.. The anniversary events provided a unique opportunity for all who care about animal protection to celebrate this social movement’s rich heritage, built by inspiring figures, and the legacy shared by all who work to help animals.

Biographies

Tom Regan

Emeritus Professor of Philosophy, North Carolina State University, author of All That Dwell Therein: Essays on Animal Rights and Environmental Ethics (1982), The Case for Animal Rights (1983), Defending Animal Rights (2001), Empty Cages: Facing the Challenge of Animal Rights (2004). Along with his wife, Nancy Regan, Tom is founder of the Culture and Animals Foundation, which exists to expand our understanding and appreciation of animals, improving the ways in which they are treated and their standing in human society.

Shirley McGreal, Ed.D., O.B.E

Since 1973, Dr. McGreal and IPPL has fought the trafficking in nonhuman primates and worked internationally to improve conditions for those held captive. As a result of IPPL’s efforts, several smuggling itineraries have been closed and several illicit animal traders have been incarcerated. IPPL’s investigative work has been recognized by the United Nations Environment Program, the Bellerive Foundation, and the Dutch Police League-Interpol Wildlife Crime Group. In addition, IPPL has maintained a gibbon sanctuary in South Carolina since 1977, where 36 apes are now resident.

Bernard Unti, Ph.D. Humane Society of the United States Senior Policy Adviser and Special Assistant to the President, and author of Protecting All Animals

Craig Buettinger, Ph.D. Professor of History at Jacksonville University, author of “Women and Antivivisection in the Late Nineteenth-Century America,” Journal of Social History, 1997

Susan Finsen, Ph.D. Professor of Philosophy at California State University – San Bernadino, and co-author of The Animal Rights Movement in America: From Compassion to Respect

Caroline Earle White Award Caroline Earle White is recognized as one of the three main pioneers of animal protection in the U.S. Among her greatest achievements was the founding of the Women's Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the very first animal shelter in the U.S. After being confronted by doctors from a local university who wanted shelter dogs for research, White established AAVS to fight them, and in doing so, launched the first U.S. organization dedicated to ending the use of animals in science.

It is in recognition of these precedent-setting achievements that AAVS created the Caroline Earle White Award to honor those who carry her same determination, drive, and success in advocating for animals. to this end, AAVS is proud to bestow Shirley McGreal with the first Caroline Earle White Award.

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