NAIA Trust was founded in 2001 because of the increasing threats posed by animal rights extremism to animal owners, farmers, ranchers, scientists and others who live and work responsibly with animals. NAIA Trust’s basic philosophy and many of its position statements are the same or very similar to ones adopted by the National Animal Interest Alliance (NAIA) www.naiaonline.org . Many of its founders are also leaders in NAIA. Both groups work to provide factual information to the public about animal issues. NAIA Trust is designated as a 501 (c) (4) social welfare organization, something that enables it to further its exempt purposes through lobbying activities.