National Anti-Vivisection Society report examines animal welfare violations at US research laboratories

New NAVS analysis examines where animal care protections are falling short; findings will be discussed during Oct. 6 webinar

CHICAGO, Sept. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Anti-Vivisection Society (NAVS), a nonprofit devoted to the advancement of science without harming animals, has published its third annual Laboratory Animal Care Audit (LACA), which reports animal welfare violations in U.S. research laboratories documented by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) during 2025.

The report combines the USDA's inspection records and information reported by research facilities, including the number and species of animals used and the level of pain associated with procedures. Taken together, the data shows how pervasive animal mistreatment is across dozens of U.S. laboratories, including repeated violations that continue without financial penalties.

Report highlights include:

• Documented animal welfare violations were cited at 92 laboratories using animals in 28 states and Puerto Rico.
• None of the 92 facilities cited were fined or penalized for their documented animal welfare violations.
• Almost half – 45 of the 92 cited facilities – were cited in at least one prior NAVS LACA and 16 laboratories have appeared in all three previous annual audits (2023, 2024 and 2025).
• Just 24 of the 92 facilities with documented violations received an Official Warning of Alleged Violation which carries no fine or penalty.

"Publishing this data exposes the systemic failure to enforce animal welfare laws in research labs across the country," said NAVS Director of Advocacy & Sanctuary Meredith Blanchard. "Regrettably, the LACA report only scratches the surface of the grim reality these animals face. What's even more disturbing is the total lack of accountability, with no meaningful sanctions or repercussions for these infractions."

To complement the downloadable report, NAVS will present a free webinar, "Paper Trails and Paths to Freedom: The 2026 Laboratory Animal Care Audit," at 2 p.m. ET on Oct. 6. The 75-minute free webinar will cover LACA's findings along with discussion around how to effect change in the animal welfare landscape. In addition to Blanchard, other speakers include NAVS Advocacy and Policy Specialist Robert Hollocher and Kindness Ranch Animal Sanctuary Executive Director John Ramer.

The webinar will also highlight a LACA-featured laboratory that eventually closed due to continuous scrutiny.

"We'll be offering real-world perspectives on the serious animal welfare violations occurring in research facilities," Blanchard said. "Our webinar attendees will gain a thorough understanding of the USDA reporting as well as the vital, optimistic path forward that NAVS champions through collective advocacy."

To access the 2026 Laboratory Animal Care Audit and register for the free webinar visit https://navs.org/laca/.

For more information about NAVS, visit navs.org.

About NAVS

The National Anti-Vivisection Society (NAVS) is a U.S.-based nonprofit organization dedicated to ending the exploitation of animals used in scientific research and education. Founded in 1929, NAVS works to advance humane, human-relevant science through public education, policy advocacy and support for innovative non-animal research methods. The organization also promotes alternatives to classroom dissections and supports sanctuaries for animals formerly used in laboratories, helping drive the transition toward ethical and effective scientific practices. For more information about NAVS, visit navs.org.

SOURCE National Anti-Vivisection Society (NAVS)