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Remembering his warrior heart and compassionate soul.

Dr. Elliot Katz

1934 — 2021

Dr. Katz at Demonstration

It is with a heavy heart that we share the sad news of the passing of In Defense of Animals Founder and President Emeritus Dr. Elliot Katz, D.V.M. Amid declining health, he peacefully passed away on Wednesday, March 24th, at the age of 86.

Dr. Elliot Katz inspired so many people to join the animal rights movement, and we plan to honor his life with a tribute video and a virtual memorial on Saturday, April 24th.

If you have a story, a photo or a favorite memory of your friendship with Dr. Katz, we would love to hear about it. You can submit your photos by email (drkatztribute@idausa.org) and memories by filling out the form.

Please join me in paying tribute to his warrior’s heart and his strong determination to defend the innocent, the disadvantaged, and the vulnerable by acting in defense of animals. Here are a few ways to honor him right now:
  1. Go Vegan! Animals raised for food and clothing are among the least-protected animals across the globe. They are denied the same legal protection from cruelty as dogs or cats, despite sharing the same capacity to suffer. If you need some help and encouragement you can download a copy of our free Vegan Guide containing everything you need to jumpstart your new vegan lifestyle, including nutrition facts, shopping and restaurant guides, recipes, meal inspiration, and more!
  2. Sign the Guardian Pledge and affirm that animals are sentient beings deserving of compassion, understanding, respect and rights. It may seem like a small thing to do, but it has such a meaningful impact for animals when you truly take the message to heart and elevates them from being thought of as objects to living beings who merit consideration and basic rights.
  3. Use Cruelty-Free Products that prevent animals suffering in cruel experiments.
  4. Act Now In Defense of Animals by signing our urgent alerts for animals in need.
Marilyn Kroplick, M.D. - President, In Defense of Animals