Animal care and use on UC campuses

UC-sponsored animal research legislation – AB 2296

Acts of violence against University of California faculty and staff by animal rights extremists not only continue, but are increasing in frequency and severity. UC personnel continue to be targets of arson, bombings, vandalism, intimidation, harassment, and other similar acts, both at work and at home. While UC passionately and unequivocally supports the civil and free expression of views, including those that oppose the use of animals in research, the University will not tolerate such acts of violence and harassment. UC is sponsoring Assembly Bill 2296 (Mullin) to help ensure the safety of its campuses and its personnel.

UC's basic position: Free speech-yes; violence-no

We cherish and support free speech, but we abhor and will not tolerate violence.
We have an obligation to keep our faculty, staff and campuses safe; it is foundational to all university work.
Individuals are entitled to their views, including First Amendment-protected protests, but the kinds of violence, threats and intimidation by some animal research extremists cross the line - in fact, the FBI considers animal rights extremists among its most serious domestic threats.
Animal research has played a vital role in virtually all advances in biomedical research for, at least, over 200 years, and we are committed to the highest standards of animal care, safety and health in full compliance with ethical and legal principles.
The bottom line: This is not about free speech. This is about violence, which is unacceptable.

Highlights of AB 2296

AB 2296 is modeled after state and federal law that protects animal researchers, public officials and reproductive health workers.
It allows local authorities to better prevent, investigate and prosecute those persons who practice intimidation, harassment and violence.
It increases penalties for intentional economic damage and disruption, and for intentionally causing bodily harm or placing a person in reasonable fear of death or bodily harm.

Animal researcher protection legislation moves forward (Apr. 17, 2008)
AB 2296 fact sheet
Track legislative status of AB 2296

More UC background
Background on animal research at UC Davis
Information on working with animals in research at UC Irvine
Background on animal research at UCLA
UCLA chancellor’s statement

Related news articles and commentary
“Protests at UC animal-lab workers' homes,” SF Chronicle, June 11, 2008
“When researchers are in peril,” Sacramento Bee, May 24, 2008
“Editorial: Law must balance valid safety concerns, opponents' right to public information,” Sacramento Bee, May 27, 2008
“Animal testing is no cause for threats,” Sacramento Bee, May 24, 2008
“California Regents Sue Animal Activists; UC System Aims to Protect Researchers,” Washington Post, Mar. 11, 2008
“Animal Researchers’ Homes Are Attacked; As protests intensify, colleges take steps to protect scientists,” Chronicle of Higher Education, Mar. 7, 2008
"Animal Extremists Get Personal," Science, Dec. 21, 2007
“Scientists rip animal protection activists,” Washington Times, Apr. 10, 2008
Top 20 List of Illegal Actions by Animal and Eco-Terrorists, 1996-2006, Foundation for Biomedical Research

U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary hearing on "Animal Rights: Activism vs. Criminality," May 18, 2004
Hearing testimony of William Green, Senior VP and General Counsel, Chiron Corp.