Can we have a balanced debate?
The use of animals in medical research has been hitting the headlines recently as protestors turn to more and more extreme ways of arguing their point.
Recent acts of intimidation include digging up and stealing the remains of Gladys Hammond as her son-in-law bred guinea pigs for medical research.
Builders working on a new laboratory for Oxford University have to wear masks on site and live in seclusion to protect their safety.
Animal rights demonstrators now being described as ‘terrorists’.
Consultant neurosurgeon at Oxford University Professor Tipu Aziz believes: "Animal rights terrorism is the most immediate threat to the British population as I perceive it.
"Until animal rights extremists are treated as terrorists they will hold hostage the future of British public health."
What effect is this having on the debate surrounding animal testing?
Barbara Davies, Communications Director for the Research Defence Society (RDS)
The idea that animal testing won't stop but will just end up being done abroad is not a good enough reason for the Animal Liberation Front to stop protesting according to spokesman Robin Webb
In response to the animal rights campaigners, an organisation has now been set up to support animal testing,
Pro-Test.
Press Officer, Tom Holder
Photograph courtesy of SPEAK
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