UK scientists call for legal protection from animal rights activists
Scientists in the UK are calling for changes to the country's Criminal justice and police bill, which is under debate today in the House of Commons. They are pressing the government to outlaw animal rights extremism and allow the police to arrest organisers of violent protests like those recently seen against workers at the laboratories of UK-based Huntingdon Life Sciences. 'Violent protests in the UK have already forced four laboratory animal companies to close, before Huntingdon Life Sciences became the main focus for intimidation,' reports UK organisation RDS - understanding animal research in medicine. 'There is no doubt that the terror tactics will continue against Huntingdon Life Sciences, its customers, suppliers and shareholders.' Protest group 'Stop Huntingdon animal cruelty' has dismissed the British Home Secretary's proposals to address their campaign tactics, and has threatened to step up its targeting of pharmaceutical companies. Brian Cass, the managing director of Huntingdon Life Sciences commented: 'People involved in all types of animal research in this country are looking for clear, unequivocal action from government to give them real protection from the extremists. Yet another means to impose insignificant penalties after the event won't be enough.'