Until recently, one of the most expected and accepted experiences among students in biology classrooms of the United States has been the dissection of vertebrate animals, from frogs and mice to cats and fetal pigs. However, resistance to animal dissection has grown during the past decade with concerns ranging from inhumane treatment of animals by the supply industry and the depletion of natural populations of affected species to concerns about the emotional responses of students. This digest discusses and provides resources on various aspects of animal dissection in school science classes including alternatives to dissection and responding to conscientious objections. Also included are World Wide Web resources and a list of organizations. Contains 21 references. (JRH)