From Albany to the gates of Marshall BioResources, NAVS stood with advocates demanding humane science and an end to the breeding of animals for laboratories.
Outside Marshall BioResources in North Rose, New York, advocates held dog leashes in a moment of reflection. The empty leashes represented animals still confined inside the facility and those who would never have the chance to experience life in a loving home.
For NAVS’ Robert Hollocher, the moment captured both the purpose of the March to Abolish Animal Testing and the urgency of the work ahead.
“Those animals are still there, and we’re doing everything we can to get them out,” he said.
Robert represented NAVS during the opening weekend on September 11–12 and returned for the final gathering on September 26. The march followed a 207-mile route from Albany to Marshall BioResources, bringing public attention to animals bred for laboratories and calling for a future without animal testing.
Across both weekends, he found a community united by compassion, growing confidence in humane science and a determination to keep pushing for change.
Beginning with science and community
The opening weekend began with a screening of The New Gold Standard, a documentary exploring human-based research technologies and their potential to transform how medicines are developed and tested. NAVS’ Meredith Blanchard was a panelist in a Q&A following the screening.
For Robert, the film strengthened his sense of possibility. Seeing the work underway helped connect the march’s demand for an end to animal testing with the scientific advances that can help make that future possible.
“I was amazed,” he recalled, “and I was just that much more optimistic and excited for the future.”
The next morning, advocates gathered outside the New York State Capitol in Albany. NAVS hosted an information table, introducing attendees to our work, welcoming new newsletter subscribers and speaking with people about how they could get involved.
Among those attending were dogs rescued from research. Their presence offered a powerful reminder of the individual lives behind the issue and the freedom every animal deserves.
Robert also met people with very different paths into advocacy: longtime activists, people attending their first march and supporters who had learned about the event through a friend or social media. Their shared concern for animals made it easy to connect.
Fifteen miles of public witness
After the rally, Robert joined the approximately 15-mile walk toward Schenectady.
The physical demands quickly became clear. Hours of walking along a busy roadside brought heat, little shade, sore muscles and blisters. But the route also made the march visible to people who might otherwise never encounter the issue.
Robert recalled supportive honks from passing drivers and conversations with people surprised to learn that animals were still being bred and used for testing.
Between those encounters, the walk gave participants time to share their experiences and learn from one another.
“I talked to some amazing people that I’m still in contact with now,” Robert said.
At an evening gathering, Meredith spoke about the discomfort participants had experienced and how it paled in comparison with the suffering animals endure in laboratories. It brought the day’s effort back to its purpose: making those animals’ lives visible and building the public commitment needed to protect them.
Standing together at Marshall BioResources
On September 26, Robert returned to join advocates for the march’s conclusion. Participants gathered in North Rose before walking approximately three miles to Marshall BioResources, the largest breeder of dogs and cats used in research.
There, Robert reunited with people he had met in Albany, including participants who had continued walking across New York. Others had arrived specifically for the final gathering.
Despite hostile remarks from some counter-protesters, Robert described participants maintaining their commitment to peaceful protest. Advocates carried signs, chanted and listened to speakers calling for accountability and an end to animal testing.
The sense of solidarity was strong. So was the emotional weight of standing outside the facility.
For Robert, the leash vigil brought that tension into sharp focus. Dogs who had been rescued were present alongside people holding empty leashes for those still waiting. Tears were shared by many in this moment of refection as the reality set in.
The gathering brought hundreds of compassionate people together, drawing critical attention to the animals who need us most.
Carrying the commitment forward
NAVS’ participation reflected the work we pursue every day: advancing humane, human-relevant science, advocating for policy change and demanding greater transparency and accountability for animals used in research.
We are grateful to the organizers, marchers and supporters who gave their time and energy to this effort. Every conversation along the route helped bring an often-hidden issue into public view.
The march ended on September 26. The responsibility to act continues.
For Robert, that urgency remained with him long after the gathering.
“Every second does matter,” he said, “because they are suffering every second of every day.”
Help carry the movement forward. Join NAVS in calling on USDA to revoke Marshall BioResources’ license to breed and sell animals for research.
You can also urge your representative to support the Companion Animal Protection Against Cruel Testing (COMPACT) Act, which would save countless animal lives.
