One tool extremist groups use to disrupt scientific research is to misuse government transparency laws, like the federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), or local public records laws. This is done to exploit public access in a dishonest attempt to misrepresent research so extremists can generate controversy and use that to fuel their fundraising efforts—all while wasting taxpayer money and distracting from the important work being done. These tactics are an abuse of the system that is meant to promote openness, not stifle science.
One of the latest efforts to undermine the scientific community came in the form of 775 FOIA requests filed with the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) in the first half of 2024, according to a report by Americans for Medical Progress (AMP). While the specific facilities targeted by these requests ranged from zoos to aquariums to agricultural operations, the issue is clear: extremists are weaponizing public records laws to create false narratives and fuel outrage.
At the Washington National Primate Research Center (WaNPRC), we are no strangers to this tactic. Since January of 2024 alone, we’ve received 23 public records requests (PRRs)—most of them from extremist groups. These groups take advantage of Washington state’s open records laws to request a wide range of documents – using the information not to better understand research, but to manipulate it, creating fodder for protests and fundraising campaigns.
Let me be clear: WaNPRC is committed to openness. We are overseen by an animal care and use committee that supports animal welfare and ensures we comply with federal regulations. All animal projects are reviewed and approved before they can begin. And we provide detailed reports on everything from our research protocols to any errors that may arise and how we address them. But there’s an obvious and troubling pattern to extremists’ requests: They consume valuable time and resources—time that could be better spent advancing science—while giving extremists ammunition that they use to misrepresent our work.
One telling example of these fishing expeditions came when a recent PRR requested every photo taken inside WaNPRC over a two-year period. Our staff painstakingly gathered over 700 images, because it’s the law, and because we have nothing to hide. But the reality is, these kinds of requests aren’t in the public interest. They’re nothing more than a tool for extremists to craft misleading narratives that misrepresent the work we do.
Take, for example, our tissue distribution program, which supports the 3Rs. Following humane euthanasia, this program serves as a vital resource, providing tissues to support multiple projects. The tissues from one animal can be used to answer questions regarding many different scientific questions. We strive to replace animal testing with alternative methods whenever possible, reduce the number of animals needed, and refine our techniques to minimize animal stress.
Without context, however, photos of these procedures can be easily misrepresented. For example, a photo of an animal technician holding a surgical instrument, or steadying an animal, could appear disturbing if viewed without context. So might a dentist photographed holding a needle or forceps, or a brain surgeon holding a drill. The fact is our work aims to improve both animal welfare and human health. But extremists don’t share this perspective. Instead, they use images out of context to generate shock value and rally their supporters—often for fundraising purposes.
This abuse of FOIA and public records laws doesn’t just waste time; it also wastes taxpayer money. Responding to these fishing expeditions requires significant staff time, and there’s often little to show for it other than more misinformation. And while these extremist groups claim to be working for the welfare of animals, their actions have the opposite effect: they disrupt scientific research, mislead the public, and hinder the development of life-saving treatments for both animals and people. They also make it harder to recruit the very people who take care of animals at the high standards of care we uphold.
One recent victory in defending scientific research against extremist misinformation came from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), which rejected a petition from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) to list long-tailed macaques, also known as Cynomolgus macaque (LTM) under the Endangered Species Act.
In a decision issued in October, the USFWS found that PETA’s petition “did not present credible information to support impacts to LTM populations or the species as a whole.” This decision is a victory not just for scientific research but for the integrity of the system that allows for public input and transparency. The USFWS saw through PETA’s petition and understood that extremist groups are often more interested in promoting political agendas than in advancing genuine animal welfare or scientific progress. You can read the USFWS findings here and see for yourself.
Support Science, Not Extremism
At WaNPRC, we support openness. We believe in the public’s right to know how taxpayer dollars are spent and the importance of open government. It’s also clear that some extremist groups are abusing these laws to advance their own agendas, not to protect animals or promote scientific progress.
These groups create controversy where none exists, misrepresent our work, and ultimately do more harm than good. Their attacks do not stop science, but they do waste time, money, and resources that could be better spent advancing human health and animal welfare.
As long as fundraising remains their primary goal, these attacks will continue. But the more the public and policymakers recognize these tactics for what they are—misguided, costly, and ultimately counterproductive—the sooner we can create an environment where we can all work together toward common goals.
