Why Collaborate?

The first line of Kindness Ranch’s mission statement is very clear:

“The mission of the Kindness Ranch is to provide a sanctuary and place of rehabilitation for animals who have been used in laboratory research while fostering compassion for all animals.”

That sentence is powerful because it is simple. It does not take a position for or against laboratory research. It states exactly what we do. We provide sanctuary for animals from research. Clear. Direct. Unambiguous.

Over the past few months, Kindness Ranch has been pulled into several public conversations about the release of beagles from facilities, adoption programs, and where we “stand” in the broader debate.

Some research and breeding facilities say we are too aligned with animal rights groups. Some animal rights groups say we are not involved enough and attempt to pull us into confrontational campaigns we want no part of.

This statement is meant to clarify our position.

Our mission is to provide a sanctuary and place of rehabilitation for animals who have been used in laboratory research while fostering compassion for all animals.

I have met with attorneys attempting to force the release of beagles, clearly stating: If the dogs are released, we are here to help.

I have worked directly with research and breeding facilities, clearly stating: If you release dogs, we are here to help.

I have met with state and federal lawmakers, clearly stating: If a bill passes that creates a pathway for the release and adoption of research animals, we are here to help.

I am pro collaboration.
I am pro retirement, release, and adoption.
I am against shaming, threats, and adversarial tactics.

In the United States alone, based on the most recently published FY2024 data:

• Dogs used in research: 42,880
  

• Cats used in research: 12,004
  
  

Less than 1% of those animals will be released for adoption.

That reality matters.

If you are an activist using the name of Kindness Ranch to pressure, shame, or attack facilities, you are actively harming our mission. You may be closing doors that could have resulted in animals being released to us. In the worst cases, that cost is paid by the animals themselves.

If you are a research or breeding facility looking to work with an outside organization, we are here to help. Ask around. Speak with the facilities we already work with. Ignore the noise.

We have a proven roadmap to place these dogs and cats into homes and allow them to live out their lives with dignity and care. That process requires trust, cooperation, and steady work behind the scenes.

Let us do that work.
Let us do it without interference.

And to be absolutely clear:

The mission of the Kindness Ranch is to provide a sanctuary and place of rehabilitation for animals who have been used in laboratory research while fostering compassion for all animals.

No more, no less.

Executive Director - John Ramer