World Laboratory Animal Liberation Week: Protests Fail To Weaken Scientists' Resolve

Biomedical researchers vow to go on using animal subjects in their labs, despite acts of personal intimidation Researchers targeted by a wave of protests from animal rights supporters late last month vow that the hunger strikes, sit-ins, candlelight vigils, and even some acts of vandalism by the activists will not deter them from continuing their work. The demonstrations were staged as a part of a national week of protests against the use of animals in biomedical research called World

Written byRon Kaufman

| 5 min read

Save for Later

Listen with Speechify

0:00

5:00

Biomedical researchers vow to go on using animal subjects in their labs, despite acts of personal intimidation

The demonstrations were staged as a part of a national week of protests against the use of animals in biomedical research called World Laboratory Animal Liberation Week (WLALW). Animal rights activists have sponsored the week annually for the past five years--this year from April 24 through May 1. The 1993 WLALW featured 36 separate demonstrations at universities and medical centers throughout the United States.

Departing slightly from the tactics of previous years, many activists observed the 1993 WLALW by focusing their complaints not on an entire school or institution, but against a single researcher or lab.

One such subject of attention was Larry Cunnick, president of BIOCON Inc., a Rockville, Md.-based contract research laboratory engaged in animal-related technical services. On his white garage door "Animal Killer!" was written in red spray paint; on ...

Interested in reading more?

Become a Member of

Receive full access to digital editions of The Scientist, as well as TS Digest, feature stories, more than 35 years of archives, and much more!

Join for free today

Already a member?