Why plan for a crisis?

Animal research is a complex issue, and one that is poorly understood by the general public. It often provokes an emotional response that animal activists have successfully cultivated through their aggressive campaigns.

The general public does not understand that animal research is heavily regulated, and that practically every major medical advance of the last century can be attributed, in some way, to research that involved lab animals.

Today, institutions have an opportunity to blunt the potential impact of animal activism. By developing a crisis planning program, institutions can build understanding, respect and support for their work; enable a swift response when a crisis erupts; create strong networks of information sharing; and restore support through post-crisis activities.