The organisation lost its charity status and all the associated benefits because of a Government decision that anti-vivisection societies are no longer charities, and therefore lose benefits and privileges which charities would have.

The decision came after a Judge in the House of Lords claimed vivisection was “a source of enormous blessings to mankind”.

It was ruled that the societies were political rather than charities, and therefore must pay taxes on investment funds and property. The Animal Defence and Anti-Vivisection Society in London, of which the SSPV President was Chairman, appealed this decision and a three day hearing was held. The reason given for this decision was that the societies were anti vivisection, and that “its object was to secure legislation.”