In Defense of Animals has become an international animal protection organization with over 250,000 valued supporters and a 39-year history of fighting for animals, people, and the environment. IDA accomplishes its mission through education and campaigns, as well as sanctuaries and hands-on animal rescue facilities in India, Korea, and rural Mississippi. Their main headquarters are in Marin County, California.
In early 1983, veterinarian Dr. Elliot Katz was contacted by animal activists and discovered scandalous conditions inside UC Berkeley’s animal laboratories — an event that changed animal protection history. Living in cramped and filthy facilities, animals were sick and dying while campus veterinarians were prevented from providing treatment to those in need. Dr. Katz formed Californians for Responsible Research, which filed a lawsuit against USDA, forcing them to issue a cease and desist order against UC Berkeley. Ultimately, Berkeley was fined $12,000 for violating the Animal Welfare Act. Californians for Responsible Research was renamed In Defense of Animals, and for nearly four decades years it has become a force to reckon with — foremost in animal advocacy. Dr. Katz passed away in March, 2021, and will be remembered as an animal rights trailblazer.

Dr. Marilyn Kroplick, a medical doctor and psychiatrist, has served as President since 2011. She guides the organization with her unique knowledge and a fresh approach as a visionary animal protection leader. For more, visit IDAUSA.org.