Courage! Scientists Speak Out in Defense of Animal Research

Two leading academics at Oxford University have decided to face down threats of violence from animal rights extremists and speak publicly in favor of the building of a controversial £18m research laboratory in the city. Although scientists are advised to remain silent for fear of attacks, Professor Tipu Aziz, a consultant neurosurgeon, and Professor John Stein, a neurophysiologist have told the Guardian they believe it is time to stand up to the radicals who have attempted to stop the project.

“I think that it is important to speak out,” said Prof Aziz, whose research into Parkinson’s disease involves the use of primates. [SHS readers will recall that it was Azis who cleverly got Peter Singer to approve his monkey experiments.]

“The ALF [Animal Liberation Front] are actively now saying that anyone in Oxford is a target. They have had it all their own way for a long time. What we are seeing in Britain today is a minority dictating how the majority of this country live and that is as undemocratic a process as can be imagined. Animal research is absolutely essential to medical progress and a lot of research being done in Oxford is critical.”...

The movement in defence of animal research at Oxford is growing amid increasing tension. In recent weeks members of the ALF have been encouraging and directing a violent campaign against university funders, students and researchers through postings on a website based in Florida. Set up by undergraduates in a rearguard action to this increasingly voluble campaign, the pro-animal testing movement is also using the internet to spread its message.

Work was restarted on the lab in November after a year’s delay when the original contractor, Montpelier, pulled out amid threats and intimidation from animal activists. Today the identity of the new contractor, which operates on South Parks Road behind a five meter (15ft) barrier remains a secret. Builders wear balaclavas and the vehicles involved are all unmarked...But behind the public face of the anti-lab protest anonymous extremists from the ALF are encouraging the use of increasingly violent tactics. On a direct action website, Bite Back, registered to an address in West Palm Beach, Florida, the ALF posts notices announcing attacks on anyone linked to the university and calling on supporters to “do whatever it takes” to “blow these f—-ing monsters off the planet”.

Extra security has been offered to many researchers and leading figures at the university and students have been warned to be vigilant... Other researchers will remain silent on Saturday, privately believing Prof Aziz and Prof Stein are taking a huge risk. One, who would not be named, said it was not even sensible to discuss animal testing anywhere publicly in Oxford for fear of being overheard by anti-vivisectionists.

Consider the atmosphere of terror and intimidation described in the story. No, the animal rights movement is not peaceable