The first anniversary of the death of Hans Ruesch has arrived, and the past year has been one of turmoil for the anti-vivisection movement. In particular, events surrounding one, once effective AV organisation, founded on the works of Hans Ruesch, and the subsequent treachery of its current directorship, has shown the fragile nature of the genuine anti-vivisection movement. Moreover, several activists we had known and campaigned alongside subsequently revealed their true colours, revealing that despite all they had professed to have known, they never really had understood the true nature of the message Hans tried so hard to convey.

Meanwhile, for the animal rights movement another year has passed with many still clinging to the hopelessly naive belief that cries for compassion alone might end the nightmare of vivisection. Others, even more naively clamour for more ‘alternatives’, whilst ignoring the reality of infiltration which has seen our large, national AV societies become as ineffective as the infiltrators meant them to be. A new phenomenon appears to be the rise of the militant animal rights movement, making one wonder whether this too has been orchestrated by those who wish to see vivisection continue.

The frustration of many campaigners is understandable following the introduction of a mass of legislation designed to curb once legal protest by our government, which puts the interests of the drugs industry before the health and well-being of people, much less animals. Nevertheless ALL the above tactics are doomed to failure, this naivety having resulted in the inevitable near opening of the new Oxford animal laboratory, the failure of this campaign proving once again that demanding the end of vivisection on moral grounds alone is a no-hoper: just as Hans forewarned.

However much the truth is denied the truth remains just that - the truth. This is why Hans’ writings are still so relevant for those who are able to comprehend what he was saying, regardless of the ill-thought out comments of the turncoats in the movement – some of which the past year has regrettably brought to light.

Though over the years we have read and re-read Slaughter of the Innocent and various passages of it numerous times, the haunting images that Hans evokes and his heart-wrenching demand for abolition continue to inspire many to carry on the fight, and will continue to do so for some time yet. This is why the Hans Ruesch Centre will continue to ensure his writings remain available, whilst doing all it can to ensure other books and videos currently unavailable are made available.

Though the AV movement is currently at probably its lowest point for many years, it is our belief that the current dire situation will peak, resulting in a resurgence of a strong, mature, intelligent, and above all effective anti-vivisection movement, demanding the total and immediate abolition of vivisection on medical and scientific grounds.