Medical Research Foundation Silenced While Trying to Give Animals a Voice

3/6/2003

From: Frankie L. Trull of the Foundation for Biomedical Research, 202-457-0654

WASHINGTON, March 6 -- Fearing protests, shopping centers in Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania and California have refused to accept paid "Mallscape" advertising from the Foundation for Biomedical Research (FBR). The ads - part of an innovative, new public education campaign entitled Survivors - are designed to promote recent veterinary advances made possible through biomedical research.

The Ads feature cats and dogs representing the millions of pets in America who have benefited from biomedical research involving animals. When FBR recently attempted to purchase space for the poster-ad, they were told that four shopping malls were afraid it would draw protests. Those malls rejected the ads.

"We are deeply disappointed," said FBR President, Frankie L. Trull. "Twenty-seven of the finest malls in nine states accepted the Survivors posters without hesitation - and they are being erected today. We believe our message has great significance for the almost 60 percent of American households that have pets and want them to have long, happy and healthy lives."

Pacemakers, CAT scans, MRIs, cardiac surgery, orthopedic surgery, cataract surgery, transplant surgery, new techniques for minimally invasive surgery, linear accelerator radiation therapy and specially designed fertility drugs are just a few of the innovations for companion animal health developed as a direct result of biomedical research conducted with animals laboratories.

Added Trull: "It is our hope that Survivors will inspire public understanding and support for America's biomedical research community by giving animals a voice in this debate, even though this vital research is typically vilified by animal activists.

"All across America, threats of harassment by animal extremists are increasing - and sadly, these threats are working. I encourage any organization or individual targeted by these hooligans to stand up for their convictions and refuse to be intimidated."

FBR's Board of Governors includes seven Nobel Laureates, 12 members of the American Academies of Arts and Sciences, 13 fellows of the National Academy of Sciences and a former surgeon general. Its chairman is Dr. Michael DeBakey, an internationally recognized heart surgeon and scholar.

Malls rejecting the ads are: Jefferson Valley, Yorktown Heights, NY; Santa Rosa Plaza, Santa Rosa, CA; Bowie Town Center, Bowie, MD and Granite Run Mall, Media, PA.

Survivors was created by the Chicago ad agency & Wojdyla.