The Animals and Society Institute is a nonprofit, independent research and educational organization that advances the status of animals in public policy, and promotes the study of human-animal relationships. The ASI seeks to advance institutional change for animals by helping to establish the moral and legal rights fundamental to a just, compassionate and peaceful society. The ASI is the result of the 2005 merger of two well-respected organizations: the Society and Animals Forum (formerly Psychologists for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, run by Kenneth Shapiro, Ph.D.), and the Institute for Animals and Society (previously known as the Animal Rights Network, publisher of The Animals’ Agenda magazine, and led by Kim W. Stallwood). Ken Shapiro and Kim Stallwood are now the co-executive directors of the Animals and Society Institute, which has its main office in Baltimore, Maryland.