News Release
For Immediate Release
Contact: George Goodno
(202) 457-0654
Media Statement by Frankie L. Trull, President
Foundation for Biomedical Research
Washington, DC
EXTREMISTS SUCCEED
IN CAMPAIGN OF INTIMIDATION;
ALL OF US STAND TO LOSE
The Foundation for Biomedical Research today expressed great
dismay over a misguided and criminal campaign of harassment
and intimidation that has resulted in a UCLA professor of
neurobiology abandoning his research as a result of the demands
of the Animal Liberation Front, following a campaign that
included harassment of family and neighbors, as well as an
attempted bombing of a colleague’s home.
Medical researchers are committed to finding cures for diseases
that threaten both human and animal health. It is both sad
and troubling that the will of a few misinformed and misguided
extremists are able to halt vital research that has the potential
to benefit all of humanity.
Congress is currently considering legislation to address,
among other tactics, the intimidation and harassment of scientists
and their families with the implication of doing physical
harm. Congress must act swiftly to amend the Animal Enterprise
Protection Act (HR.4239
and S.1926)
in order to properly equip the FBI to investigate and prosecute
animal extremists who are opposed to life-saving medical research.
This proposed legislation broadens the definition of animal
enterprise, increases penalties for causing economic disruption
or damage, and addresses "tertiary" or third-party
targeting - a tactic used by extremists against anyone who
knows or does business with anyone involved in medical research.
The cost of not stopping the radical members of the animal
rights movement is high in both financial and human terms.
To date, eco and animal terrorists have caused over $100 million
in damage and destruction. If they are not stopped, their
campaigns could drive research organizations out of the country
altogether. Also of tremendous concern is the loss of valuable
research data that could be key to a new discovery to treat
or cure Americans living with disease and pain.
Frankie L. Trull is president of the Foundation for Biomedical
Research, the nation’s oldest and largest organization
devoted to promoting public understanding, respect and support
for humane and responsible animal research. Six Nobel laureates,
13 members of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, 13
fellows of the National Academy of Sciences, a former Surgeon
General and a former Cabinet Secretary serve on its board
of directors.
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