Pro-test
Came across more information about the pro-animal research centre Pro-test the other day. They are “a UK based group with the aim of promoting and supporting scientific research and debate including animal based research.” The story of the accidental creation of the group is on the founder’s blog here. It appears that, contrary to what was reported in the press, it’s not a group of Oxford University students, but in fact a young man and some mates from Swindon. And the animal rights types haven’t wasted any time taking him down a peg or two.
In any case, the new group are planning a protest in the city on 25th February, so it strikes me that that may not be the day to go shopping…
Pro-Test, although conceived by someone outside of Oxford, is now led by a steering committee of ten Oxford students who are coordinating support within the university for the demonstration. Students have actually been directly involved since the day after the initial protest you link to on your blog, though obviously security concerns have limited the amount of information which was revealed about their identities.
We have received wide student support and are hoping for an impressive turnout next Saturday. Perhaps as someone recently involved in Oxford student politics you might consider coming along? The march has been organised with two aims in mind: to support scientifically necessary animal testing to further medical knowledge, and to reject tactics of violence and intimidation as used by the Animal Rights movement in Oxford. People are welcome (and encouraged) to march with either aim in mind; we know of individuals who don’t support the lab but will demonstrate alongside us anyway because of their disgust with incidents such as the burning of the boathouse over the summer.
There has been a flurry of media attention over our demonstration and on the day we expect at least six film crews, including French and Australian TV. This will (hopefully) be one of the bigger student demonstrations in Oxford in recent times.
It would be good to see a local politician there on the day in solidarity with the students rejecting the violent threats being made against their person and property.
Hi Pro-test fella,
Won’t be there as I’m running an event with young people that day, but best of luck with it all. I’m glad that it’s now a local group, and I do support both your aims.
I just would like to say that I cannot believe the people of this country, i mean, people bang each other in pubs, fight and in the middle of that if they see a puppy or cat they all go awww little puppy. they have more respect for animals than humans. there are much bigger issues than animal right in the worlds. these people don’t even undersatn what they are doing i think they are doing it because they want to be called “animal lovers” and i dont think you could be animals lovers before respecting human rights in the world. i am happy to discuss with anybody who thinks i am worng and i am not afraid of any of them and you could give them my email address. thanks