FIND OUT WHAT WE DID

An innovative and animal-free study to tackle covid and its mutations.

Our statutory aims are the protection of animals and the promotion of research models using methods that replace the animal model.

There are still over 550,000 animals used for experimentation in Italy, according to the latest data published by the Ministry of Health.

n 2022, thanks to the support of our Major Donors, we financed the project 'The Generation of Mutated Spike Protein Models of the COVID-19 Virus' under the scientific responsibility of Prof. Pietro Cozzini of the Department of Food and Drug Sciences at the University of Parma.

With the donated funds, we financed two research grants to support two researchers who joined Prof. Cozzini in the project. This research project aims to tackle the virus in order to study and learn what possible and most probable mutations the protein
of the virus; and promote an alternative to the use of animals, which is currently the only reference model.

Replacement methods do exist, do not cause any suffering to animals, and are scientifically reliable.

A mobile camp to rescue animals

The LAV mobile camp is a temporary, modular, and versatile rescue, care, and assistance facility . It is set up in the event of emergencies or particularly serious events. It comprises four main modules: a reception and triage area, an operating theatre, a surgery, and a stall area for rescued animals.

These four lighted and heated structures are designed to be installed in any context, close to the places and territories affected by emergencies and natural disasters.
The configuration and set-up of the camp are designed on the basis of the scenario of use and the specific needs.

Our Emergency Unit is also equipped with two ambulances for rescuing injured animals and two vehicles for transporting the team and medical supplies. Our work during emergencies consists of:

• Searching for and rescuing missing and injured animals;
• Caring for free-roaming animals;
• Assisting and caring for injured animals
  or in critical situations;
• Providing medicines and medical supplies; Providing food and essential materials.
  

Rehabilitation project for 3 decommissioned macaques

On 4 June 2021, LAV became the foster carer of three macaques, decommissioned, so they say technically, from the laboratories of the University of Verona. This release was the result of a long dialogue with
the municipality, the institutions and the university by our association and other civil society actors. The three freed macaques,
after their liberation and thanks to the support of our Major Donors, began their real life in the Recovery Centre of Semproniano in the province of  Grosseto with which we have been collaborating for years, followed by our operators specialised in primates who have supported them in a long and complex path of physical and psychological rehabilitation.
The three macaques are male individuals kept in cages for
decades. They have lived for most of their lives in a space of just two
square metres, in conditions of isolation and deprivation. In the wild, these animals are good climbers, curious and live in groups of 10 to 100 individuals.  from 10 to 100 individuals.

The rehabilitation process involves five areas of appropriate and species-appropriate environment; varied and specific; constant veterinary checks; daily observations; an enrichment programme.