July 6, 2012

expert reaction to arrests of animal rights extremists

Three people were arrested in Amsterdam and in Croydon, London, as part of a Europe-wide inquiry into blackmail linked to animal rights extremism.

Karen Gardner, Member of the Council of Understanding Animal Research and former victim of animal rights extremism, said:

“It is incredibly reassuring for the biomedical research community to see the police take robust action against those who threaten our work and the progress of medical research.

“In recent years there has been a vast improvement in how extremism is tackled, which in turn has helped make the UK a world centre of excellence for medical research.

“Harassment by extremists has become less common because of the endeavours of scientists to engage with the public and because they have been backed by a strong government commitment. However, it is vital that the important issue of animal research is not brushed under the carpet by a research community fearful of a negative public image, as secrecy only engenders distrust.”