Both an editorial1 and an article2 in the September 12, 2005 issue addressed the issue of animal rights terrorism. While I condemn terrorism and agree that vigorous measures should be taken to ensure that such activities are firmly countered, I think I can offer some insight as to why some feel they have little choice but to engage in illegal activities.
I am frequently asked by animal rights groups to come to their cities or campuses and debate the scientific merits of animal-based research with a representative of the university or industry. The organizers of these events extend many invitations to members of the animal-based research community but in most cases are unable to find anyone willing to participate. On more than one occasion, researchers have accepted such invitations only to bow out after receiving pressure from their department heads, university president, or the pro animal-based research lobbies. At that ...
