Letter to the Editor

Send a letter to your local newspaper to educate people about WWAIL and animal experiments. You can find the contact information on the Opinion/Editorial page of the newspaper or by calling the Editorial Department.

Most newspapers have word limits, typically 250 words or less, and require a signed letter with a phone number and address for verification, though they will not print that information. You should check to make sure you comply with the newspaper's guidelines before submitting your letter.

Below are two sample letters that comply with the average requirements of 250 and 150 words respectively.

Please be sure to let us know if your letter is printed! Contact wwail@idausa.org.

SAMPLE LETTERS TO EDITOR: WORLD WEEK FOR ANIMALS IN LABORATORIES

UNDER 200 WORDS

Each year, millions of animals -- cats, dogs, non-human primates and others -- suffer and die in research laboratories. World Week for Animals in Laboratories (April 17-24) is an opportunity to expose their plight and the broken federal research funding system that perpetuates outdated animal experiments at the expense of modern, more humane technologies.

Despite claims from vested interests, animal research is not necessary to promote human health. Recent published studies have confirmed an old boys network operates the federal grant award process, keeping "aging cash cows" afloat while leaving younger, innovative investigators struggling. The result: a vast amount of antiquated, unnecessary and patently ridiculous experiments like those identified recently by In Defense of Animals. These include tax-supported studies of cocaine-addicted quail, nipple preference in nursing infant monkeys, toy preference in young monkeys, and effect of high-fat diets on mice (it made them fat and sleepy).

As billions flow into this waste, 44 million Americans lack adequate healthcare coverage. President Obama promised to eliminate wasteful government spending; funding for animal research is one area that is overdue for reform.

SHORTER VERSION – UNDER 150 WORDS

Each year, millions of cats, dogs, non-human primates and other animals suffer and die in research laboratories. World Week for Animals in Laboratories (April 17-24) exposes their plight and the broken federal research funding system that perpetuates outdated animal experiments at the expense of modern and more humane technologies.

Animal research is not necessary to promote human health. Recent published studies document that an old boys network in the federal grant award process keeps "aging cash cows" afloat while leaving younger, innovative investigators struggling. The result: antiquated, unnecessary and ridiculous experiments like those identified recently by In Defense of Animals, including studies of cocaine-addicted quail, nipple preference in nursing infant monkeys, toy preference in young monkeys, ,and effect of high-fat diets on mice (it made them fat and sleepy).

President Obama promised to eliminate wasteful government spending; funding for animal research is one area that is overdue for reform.

Contact: wwail@idausa.org or 415-448-0048 © 2003 - 2010 In Defense of Animals