PETA- New measure marginalise animal rights protestors

Monday, 31, Jan 2005 12:00

Campaign group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals said new proposals aimed at clamping down on animal rights protestors were unnecessary and would marginalise legitimate activists.

Campaign co-ordinator Andrew Butler told politics.co.uk: "I think it is always worrying when you target one single group. This is indicative of the Government bending to pressure from these industries, which are rightfully under scrutiny." Actions such as damaging research centres and targeting scientists' homes were already illegal, he added. Mr Butler said: "The real danger lies in criminalising and demonising animal rights activists and singling them out in this way…the only way for the Government and business to seriously address these issues is to put forward proper funding for research that doesn't involve experimenting upon animals."