Last Chance for Animals: Mission Statement

Last Chance for Animals (LCA) recognizes that all living beings possess intrinsic value, and as such, are entitled to certain basic rights. We believe that non-human animals are sentient individuals, and should not be subject to exploitation by humans.

We do not accept that a difference in species justifies wanton exploitation or oppression for any purpose. For this reason, we oppose the use of animals for food, entertainment and scientific curiosity. In addition, we recognize the use of non-human animals in experimentation designed to cure human disease as both immoral and scientifically invalid. We advocate conscious and informed lifestyle decisions, and are committed to disseminating truthful information about societal animal abuse.

Last Chance for Animals (LCA) is a registered non-profit organization incorporated in 1984, and supported by over 40,000 contributors across the country. Our IRS 501(c)3 tax exempt number is 954013155. We have branches in Portland, Atlanta and San Diego, and our main office is in Los Angeles, California.

LCA was founded by Chris DeRose, and was originally focused on ending animal based experimentation (vivisection) through education and non-violent civil disobedience. Over the years, LCA has grown and has broadened its focus to include all areas in which animals are abused in our society. We currently have one part-time and three full-time staff members, as well as a myriad of volunteers. We conduct various campaigns designed to achieve concrete changes to help animals.

LCA works to obtain revealing video documentation of abuses against animals. We believe that the media, and most specifically television, represents the best tool for educating people about issues that affect animals.

LCA has had many successes since its inception. We have brought countless issues to the public's attention though major media pieces in print, radio and television.

LCA's largest current campaign is designed to educate the public about the dangers of pet theft, and specifically, how dealers with a United States Department of Agriculture class B license routinely sell stolen and fraudulently obtained dogs and cats into scientific experimentation. We have been responsible for putting several such dealers in prison. We are also responsible for the first ever revocation of a dealer's license.

We lead a coalition of 500 animal protection, law enforcement and civic groups nationwide in pressuring the government to end the system of class B (random source) animal dealers. To this end, we currently have succeeded in having introduced to the U.S. House of Representatives HR 594, the Pet Safety and Protection Act of 1997.

For more information, please contact our office at 310/271-6096 and visit our web site at www.lcanimal.org