Founded in 1983 by veterinarian Dr. Elliot M. Katz, IDA is a national, nonprofit organization with a distinguished record for its dedication to ending the exploitation and abuse of animals by defending their rights, welfare and habitat. IDA has fought tirelessly to elevate the status of animals beyond that of mere property and to educate the public that animals are individuals with needs and interests of their own, not mere commodities to be bought, sold, and discarded at an "owner's" whim. IDA operates the Project Hope sanctuary in rural Mississippi as well as the Chimpanzee Rescue Sanctuary of Cameroon in Africa. Committed to educating the public, working with grassroots groups and initiating litigation, research and investigations, IDA is on the cutting edge of animal protection. Now, more than ever, IDA is a force for desperately needed change.