International Society for Animal Rights

Harvard University's Office of Government and Community Affairs sponsored an in-depth study of the animal rights movement, examining its tactics, strategies, and long-term goals. Harvard observed that there was a conceptual dichotomy in the movement, noting in its report that "philosophically, animal rights and welfare groups can be classified as abolitionists or regulations. The abolitionists, such as ISAR, constitute a minority within a movement. They are, however, also the most diligent, tactical and clear-thinking. They use the law, publications and education to work for their ultimate goals."

The International Society for Animal Rights, (originally known as National Catholic Society for Animal Welfare, then Society for Animal Rights), was chartered in the District of Columbia over a half-century ago in 1959. ISAR is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit corporation.

The first federal and state court legal cases in the United States to use the words animal rights were in lawsuits brought by the International Society for Animal Rights.[2]

ISAR was founded by the late Helen Jones. She believed that humans have a moral responsibility to animals that can be satisfied only by working toward an end to cruelty to animals. Helen Jones originated dozens of innovative educational programs and campaigns on behalf of animal rights, including the International Homeless Animals' Day.

Early in her career, Helen Jones strategized to secure rights for animals through public education, legislation, and the American legal system—a strategy that ISAR has employed for decades.

During those years, ISAR has campaigned to close zoos (Do Not Sanction the Existence of Zoos), petitioned against simulated abuse of animals (Campaign to End Simulated Abuse of Animals in Entertainment and Product Sales), opposed the shooting of feral cats (Outdoor Life or Outdoor Death), and condemned celebrities who mistreated animals (Celebrities and Animal Abuse). Along with other organizations, ISAR obtained the issuance of a United States spay/neuter postage stamp and advocated for a similar United Nations stamp (Campaign for a U.N. Spay/Neuter Postage Stamp).[3]

ISAR engages in various pro-animal rights activities and emphasizes five major programs:

Dog and Cat Overpopulation: ISAR leads the charge in putting an end to all breeding practices that result in the needless loss of precious lives of unwanted dogs and cats.

International Homeless Animals Day: ISAR created a consciousness-raising memorial to dogs and cats that have been affected by overpopulation. Adoptions are arranged and spay/neuter procedures are performed.

Education: For decades, ISAR has created and distributed animal rights education materials ranging from understanding the philosophical rationales seeking to justify animal abuse to the humane education of children in their attitude toward animals.

Animal law: Under the direction of Professor Mark Holzer, ISAR is committed to a variety of law-based programs including legislation, litigation, and monographs.

Billboards: ISAR has created billboards as a means of communicating their spay/neuter message to large numbers of motorists.