The president and chancellors of the University of California have issued the following statement regarding animal research at the University. The statement comes in the wake of recent well-publicized incidents of harassment and attempted intimidation by animal rights activists.

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA COUNCIL OF CHANCELLORS STATEMENT ON ANIMAL RESEARCH

December 5, 2007

The University of California actively supports the humane and responsible use of animals for the purposes of advancing knowledge and improving human and animal health. As a System we are committed to ensure that we employ the highest standards of animal care, safety and health in full compliance with ethical and legal principles.

Animal research has played a vital role in virtually all advances in biomedical research for, at least, over 200 years -- work with cows contributed to the development of the smallpox vaccine in 1796. All of our investigators and service personnel undergo training and education, and all animal research is subject to strict Federal regulation and local oversight at each of our campuses.

As a University we cherish our role of providing a forum for civil discourse and a free and open exchange of ideas on any topic. Animal activists have long demonstrated on campus, registering their opposition to the use of animals in research. Although we strongly disagree with this point of view, as an academic institution we are open to differing opinions and encourage free speech. During the past few years, however, virtually all UC campuses have experienced an increase in the number of illegal and often violent acts by animal rights activists. Most troubling is that these recent activities have often targeted the homes of some of our faculty and have affected their families and neighbors.

The University of California believes unequivocally in protecting the rights of free expression. We believe equally strongly in ensuring for our faculty a safe environment, on campus and in the community, for conducting their scholarly activities, including research involving the use of animals. Individuals are entitled to their views on animal research and to mount First Amendment-protected protests. But the kinds of activities engaged in by some animal research opponents have crossed the line. We will pursue all means available to us to help bring the individuals involved in criminal behavior to justice.

Robert C. Dynes
President

Robert J. Birgeneau
Chancellor

Larry N. Vanderhoef
Chancellor

Michael V. Drake
Chancellor

Gene Block
Chancellor

Sung-Mo “Steve” Kang
Chancellor

Robert D. Grey
Acting Chancellor

Marye Anne Fox
Chancellor

J. Michael Bishop
Chancellor

Henry T. Yang
Chancellor

George Blumenthal
Chancellor

To view a PDF of the chancellors' statement: www.universityofcalifornia.edu/news/COCanimalresearchstatement_120507.pdf