Every year, millions of animals—including cats, pigs, turtles, and frogs—are dissected in primary schools, middle schools, and high schools and then discarded, many after suffering and dying for nothing more than to satisfy the demand for biological “specimens.”
As the "study of life," biology should foster respect and compassion for animals. Yet dissection encourages neither; animal life is devalued and treated as expendable.
However, more and more students prefer to learn anatomy and physiology using humane alternatives such as computer-based programs, 3-D models, and videos, which are also less expensive to use. Educational research shows that students using humane alternatives learn as well or better than students using animals.
You Can Help
Students and teachers can choose to use alternatives, and our Dissection Campaign Packet provides guidance and materials for students and teachers who want to create a humane biology classroom at their school.
News & Events
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September 2, 2011
New York Students Gain Right to Know for Dissection Choice Policy
This school year, middle- and high-school students throughout New York will be reminded of their legal right to choose when it comes to animal dissection.
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January 28, 2011
Scientists, Apply Now for Animal Alternatives Award
Nominations are currently being accepted for the 2011 Russell and Burch Award, which will be given to a scientist who has made outstanding contributions to animal alternative methods in the areas of biomedical research, testing or higher education.
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May 18, 2009
The HSUS Urges Conn. Senators to Allow Students to Opt Out of Animal Dissection
The HSUS urges Connecticut state senators to vote "yes" on House Bill 6565 to allow students to choose alternatives to animal dissection.
Our Victories
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January 20, 2012
Victory in Battle over Monkey-Breeding Facility
Following a highly publicized battle, Puerto Rico’s Supreme Court has ruled that Bioculture’s monkey breeding facility in Guayamna was constructed illegally and cannot operate.
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December 29, 2011
2011: Beautiful Victories for Animals in Laboratories
What do Botox, the Endangered Species Act, and biomedical research have in common? Find out about The HSUS's work to protect animals in laboratories in 2011.
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November 9, 2011
Five Chimpanzees Released from Laboratory Life
Five of the 26 elderly chimpanzees at New Iberia Research Center have been retired to a sanctuary. Please take action to free the 21 elderly chimpanzees who remain there, then help hundreds of other chimpanzees around the country who still suffer.
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October 19, 2011
Great News! The U.S. Army Will Stop Using Monkeys in Harmful Training Courses
The U.S. Army has announced that live monkeys will be replaced with humane non-animal alternatives in future chemical warfare trainings. More than 1,000 HSUS supporters contacted the Army urging that the use of monkeys be stopped.