|
|
|
Print
this article 
Spring Issue 2007
Animal Rights Extremism Session Draws Strong Society
Interest
The Animals in Research Committee sponsored an Informational Session
at the 2007 SOT Annual Meeting in Charlotte entitled "Animal Rights
Extremism and the Humane Use of Animals in Science: Past, Present, and
Future." There was a great deal of interest as measured by the robust
attendance (approximately 300 attendees throughout the duration of the
session) and insightful question and answer periods.
The session, co-chaired by Jan Oberdoerster and Tracie E. Bunton, was
designed to highlight the multifaceted concerns that investigators from
all scientific paths face regarding the use of animals in research. The
excellent presentations were given by individuals with long professional
experience dealing with this issue, and were especially effective as personal
experiences were also relayed.
 |
| Security tips for researchers included what to check before opening
mail. |
Robert Phalen from the University of California Irvine
started the session off by describing the theft of a group of dogs from
his laboratory in the late 1980s, the experience of having picketers outside
his home and the importance of clear communication in dealing with the
extensive media coverage. Alan Goldberg from the Johns
Hopkins University gave a thoughtful presentation on his experiences with
animal rights individuals in the context of his work in the field of alternatives
(reduction, replacement, and refinement). He also made the important point
that optimally scientists should offer a balanced perspective on the issue
to the public or risk that their view will be discounted. Mike
Caulfield of Huntingdon Life Sciences gave a presentation on
the long-term experience of HLS with animal rights groups that has extended
to secondary targets (businesses that support HLS and/or animal research
in general), and which at one point extended into his own neighborhood.
He noted that improved integration of law enforcement agencies and application
of laws has greatly facilitated controlling the most aggressive activities
of the animal rights extremist groups. Timothy Morris
of GlaxoSmithKline gave an overview of experiences in the UK with animal
extremist groups, how law enforcement agencies in the UK are organized
and reiterated how better integration and communication between these
organizations has improved control of illegal activities by these groups.
The session was completed with a presentation by Darryl Aspey
from Homeland Security, who outlined sensible protective measures to assume
when safety related to this issue is a concern in the home and/or office.
The Animals in Research Committee will continue to provide
forums on topics of interest for the Society of Toxicology at the Annual
Meetings.
|
