Recognizing the importance of medical experimentation and its
potential for enhancing the lives of humans as well as animals, a
group of concerned citizens founded Working for Animals used in
Research, Drugs and Surgery (WARDS) in 1953.
The initial purpose of the organization was to unite the research community with the general public in hopes of reaching a mutually beneficial common ground that would ensure the most ethical and humane care possible for animals without hindering scientific advancement. Building on its valuable contributions toward the design and implementation of the Laboratory Animal Welfare Act in 1966, WARDS continues today to work toward its original objectives.
Over the past 42 years, the organization has developed excellent working relationships with scientists, veterinarians and educators. Through such efforts, WARDS has succeeded in motivating discussion that has led to many major advancements for the care of animals. Among its ongoing programs, WARDS has funded studies and reports conducted by the Tufts University Center for Animals and Public Policy and cosponsored conferences with the Scientists Center for Animal Welfare to encourage progressive attitudes toward animal care. The organization also funds an annual scholarship program for selected junior and senior veterinary students at the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine.
Through its two quarterly publications, WARDS informs both the general public and the scientific community of the latest issues affecting animal welfare. Our Animal WARDS is primarily designed for the general public and contains articles of interest to people concerned with the care of all animals. Science and Animal Care is distributed to the scientific community and focuses on the technical aspects of animal welfare. Written manuscripts for either publication are welcomed and may be submitted for consideration.
WARDS serves as a voice for those in the general public who believe that rational discussion and debate provide the best means to promote animal welfare. To maintain its integrity, WARDS has never accepted financial support from pharmaceutical companies or the biomedical research community.
For more information, please contact Christopher Byrnes, WARDS Director of Public Relations, 8150 Leesburg Pike, Suite 512, Vienna, Virginia 22182-1655, Tel: (703) 442-4511 or (800) 876-5572, Fax: (703) 442-4729.
Go to:
Contents, Animal Welfare Information Center
Newsletter
Top of Document
The Animal Welfare Information Center
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Agricultural Research Service
National Agricultural Library
10301 Baltimore Ave.
Beltsville, MD 20705-2351
Phone: (301) 504-6212
FAX: (301) 504-7125
E-mail: awic@nal.usda.gov
