Great Britain’s Home Secretary, Jack Straw, announced recently that, in light of the overwhelming level of harassment directed by animal rights activists against the directors and staff members of Huntingdon Life Sciences, the government would seek new police powers to deal with the threat posed from activists. Saying that some of the protesters are, “frankly evil,” Straw said the government was considering introducing a new measure to keep the names and addresses of directors and staff members at animal research facilities secret.
Animal rights activists in Great Britain widely distributed the names and home addresses of HLS staff members, who were then subject to harassment up to and including death threats, fire bombing of vehicles, and assaults. Straw affirmed that the British government believes that animal testing is necessary for medical advances.
“The measures will allow the police to take action to prevent extremists protesting outside people’s homes and will also strengthen the law against the sending of malicious communications,” Straw told Parliament.
Meanwhile, police in Britain believe that a series of letter bomb attacks on shops in Great Britain could be the work of animal rights activists. In January, ten nail bombs were sent to farms, pet food stores, charities and other animal-related enterprises. On January 31, for example, a letter bomb was sent to the British Heart Foundation, and the woman who opened the letter had to be treated for shock. In all, four people have been injured including a six-year-old girl who suffered serious leg injuries and an estate agent who had a bomb explode in her face and may lose her sight as a result.
Sources:
British police link letter bombs, blame activists. Tom Armitage, Reuters, February 1, 2001.
Straw vows protection for animal research staff. Ananova, February 5, 2001.