The Research Defence Society (RDS) has called upon the UK government to outlaw all forms of animal rights extremism and allow police to arrest the organisers of intimidation campaigns such as that used against Huntingdon Life Sciences (HLS). The RDS says that new measures proposed by Home Secretary Jack Straw following the recent near-closure of HLS do not go far enough.
Although the new legislation would make it illegal for protesters to target the homes of scientists or to send abusive mail, the RDS say it will not prevent the use of at least sixteen other 'terror tactics'. These include email 'bombs' sent to crash computer systems and arranging for an undertaker to collect the 'body' of a targeted scientist. 'We are calling for laws to stop the organisation of these vicious campaigns in their tracks' said Dr Mark Matfield, Executive Director of the RDS.
Animal protest group Stop Huntingdon Animal Cruelty (Shac) has pledged to step up its campaign against HLS and its customers, saying it will get round the new laws. HLS's managing director, Brian Cass, backed the RDS's call for tougher government action to protect researchers involved in all types of animal research.
HLS's mystery rescuers chose to identify themselves last week as US firm Stephens Group, the company's largest shareholder. The finance group saved HLS from bankruptcy after investors withdrew their support following the intimidation campaign by animal protesters. 'It is great that Stephens wants to be named and associated in a long-term way with the company' said Cass.
Sources and References
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Straw gives hope to researchers at risk
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Animal protest law too weak, say scientists
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Animal rights activists threaten Huntingdon's backers
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Top shareholder is Huntingdon's mystery rescuer
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