Contact Beatrice M. Friedlander, (734) 451-9950 or (734) 612-0986
bee.friedlander@animalsandsociety.org; www.animalsandsociety.org
ANN ARBOR, MI – The Animals and Society Institute (ASI), a nonprofit think tank that advances animal issues in public policy and promotes the academic field of Human-Animal Studies, is moving its U.S. headquarters to Ann Arbor from Baltimore, Maryland, and is establishing a European branch.
Ken Shapiro, Ph.D. will continue as executive director, and board chair Bee Friedlander will become managing director at the new Michigan location in April. Kim W. Stallwood will become the ASI’s European director upon his relocation to England later this year.
Shapiro and Stallwood joined forces in 2005 to create ASI. Shapiro founded Psychologists for the Ethical Treatment of Animals in 1981 and developed the only psychological model for treatment of animal abusers. He edits two academic journals, Society and Animals and the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, and also edits the Human-Animal Studies Book Series. He will continue to oversee the Human-Animal Studies program and the publication of ASI’s policy papers series.
Stallwood began his career in his native England and has directed animal advocacy organizations in the United States since 1987. He was the first executive director of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, was editor-in-chief of The Animals’ Agenda magazine from 1993 to 2002, and was executive director of the Institute for Animals and Society from 2002 to 2005. His work in developing the Animals’ Platform, a blueprint for incorporating animal protection issues into politics, will be continued in the U.K. and European Union.
Friedlander, a Michigan attorney and animal advocate, is a founding member of the State Bar of Michigan Animal Law Section and Michigan Attorneys for Animals. “The Animals and Society Institute is pleased to expand its programs and influence to Europe while we continue our successful U.S. operations. This new configuration gives us even more opportunities to play an important role in the animal protection movement worldwide,” said Friedlander. “We are excited to be part of the existing animal advocacy community in southeast Michigan, with its energy and commitment. We also look forward to developing stronger ties with the major universities and colleges in the area to promote the advancement of animal advocacy in academia and public policy.”
Animals and Society Institute is a nonprofit, independent research and educational organization that advances the status of animals in public policy, and promotes the study of human-animal relationships. The ASI seeks to advance institutional change for animals by helping to establish the moral and legal rights fundamental to a just, compassionate and peaceful society.