weekly digest - aivd · the organiser would appear to be maxine kaye who can call upon around eight...

Be Aware – Be Up-To-Date – Keep the Threat in Perspective

1

Weekly Digest 6th June 2007 Summary On 30th May 07 fourteen SPEAK supporters were all cleared of charges relating to their protest actions at a demonstration in support of their campaign outside the Encaenia ceremony in Oxford in July 2006. 70-year-old Pauline Broughton was found guilty of obstructing a police officer and Fran Cornwell guilty of assaulting a police officer - both received absolute discharges. More lively and well-supported demonstrations can be expected from the group now they are not restricted by the almost year-long bail conditions. This is evidenced by the fact that a confrontational demonstration is already due to take place a this year’s Encaenia Ceremony at Oxford University. The event is a major tourist attraction and is a ceremony in which leading figures from around the world in politics, science and the arts are awarded honorary degrees. The protest puts them at odds with Thames Valley Police who met with criticism during the trial and the authorities at Oxford University. Details within the injunction obtained by Oxford University against SPEAK should aid the police but the demonstration does have the potential to be a flashpoint between the protestors and the police. The appeal for protest action against the Cheltenham Science Festival has been more widely circulated. The event takes place at Cheltenham Town Hall in Imperial Square, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL50 1QA from 6th to 10th June 07. The demonstration is due to take place at the venue from noon until 4pm on Friday 8th June 07. Lively protest can be expected and in the absence of any other main animal rights demonstrations the protest event may could be well attended. The Dutch / Belgian SHAC group ‘Stop Dier Proeven’ has announced its intention to hold further protests in the Netherlands on Friday 8th June 07 in support of the SHAC campaign. SHAC has also announced its intention of holding more protests against a number of companies in France from Wednesday 13th to Friday 15th June 07. It is anticipated that a few French activists will probably be joined by some of the Belgian/ Dutch ‘Stop Dier Proeven’ group. It is not known if any activists from the UK will attend although it is thought that in view of the recent arrests this will be unlikely. Neither the numbers of protestors nor the level of protest is expected to be high. However, the threat of ‘home visits’ remains higher during this period and, although few and far between, there have been some recent ‘Bite Back’ offences reported in France. There has been a dramatic fall in protest action in the UK by SHAC but despite their present position they obtained a major coup in a claim that the Dresdner Bank sold its shares in HLS following a relatively short period of targeting which consisted of the release of the details of the company, some local protests and the threat of future demonstrations. PETA continues to achieve its goals in a different manner. Despite its cosmetic face of celebrity and street theatre-protest, another side of the company operates in a quieter but seemingly efficient manner. Last week, it reported that Coca-Cola Co has joined rival PepsiCo in pledging that it will not fund or conduct animal experiments. The move was confirmed in a letter from the Company’s Senior Vice President in a letter to PETA. PETA, whose campaign to change practices at Coke and Pepsi lasted about a year, said it now would target consumer products giants Altria Group (MO) and Unilever (ULVR).


2

Future Events Wednesday 6th to Sunday 17th June 2007 Wednesday 6th May 2007 Wednesday protest at NIMR in London Every Wednesday the Mill Hill Anti-Vivisection Alliance holds a late afternoon and early evening demonstration outside the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) in The Ridgeway, Mill Hill, London, NW7, At present, only a handful of protestors are showing interest in the event, which, at present, does not require any regular police attention. Possible Circus protest in Northumbria CAPS has again appealed to its supporters to hold boycott protests at Peter Jolly’s Circus which is presently visiting Tynedale, Northumbria. The Hexham Courant reports that despite ‘fierce criticism’ from CAPS spokesperson, Craig Redmond, that no protests had occurred during its stay in Prudhoe and its present location in Corbridge where it will be until Sunday 10th June 07. Although there is a small amount of animal rights support in the area any protest that does take place is expected to consist of peaceful leafleting. Weekly anti-armament protest in Brighton Anti-armament activists are involved in regular protest against EDO MBM Technologies Ltd weapons components factory at Home Farm Road in Moulescoomb, Brighton. The protest, organised by the Smash EDO group, takes place as usual between 4pm and 6pm this Wednesday outside the premises. Thursday 7th June 2007 SHAC protest in Bristol The Taunton Animal Rights Action (TARA) said it would be supporting the SHAC campaign by holding demonstrations at Allianz's Personal & Commercial Offices in Bristol on Thursday 7th June 07. The small group of protestors say they are also hoping to join forces with Bristol Animal Rights Collective (BARC). In view of the fact that Allianz is no longer a target, companies in the area and presently targeted in the SHAC campaign should be aware of the possibility of a surprise protest from a small group of demonstrators. Regular Thursday protest at Oxford University SPEAK’s weekly Thursday protest continues opposite the Oxford University animal laboratory building site in South Parks Road, Oxford from 1pm to 5pm. Police and injunction servers will be in attendance. Nottingham Animal Rights University protest


3

Activists from Nottingham Animal Rights say that at 4pm on Thursday 7th June 07 they will be gathering outside the entrance to the Queens Medical Centre, Derby Rd, Nottingham NG7 to protest against the animal experiments conducted on the top floor.’ The protest takes place on West Road adjacent to Queen's Medical Centre, alongside Clifton Boulevard and opposite the main University Campus and is due to continue to 6pm. The protest is being made at the University to mark the ‘ten years since Nottingham University was the subject of Animal Aid's Mad Science Awards’. There have been no problems reported at previous similar events and although a lively demonstration is anticipated none are expected from this particular protest. The same evening Nottingham Animal Rights is holding its regular fortnightly Thursday meeting at 7.30pm at the Sumac Social Club in Nottingham. Appeal for protest against Spirit of Horse Show in Scotland Following previously reported protests in England, Advocates for Animals and the Captive Animals’ Protection Society (CAPS) are calling on the public to boycott the Spirit of the Horse equestrian show which starts a month-long tour of Scottish cities tomorrow. It will be travelling between Perth, Aberdeen, Inverness, Edinburgh and Glasgow Ross Minett, Director of Advocates for Animals and Craig Redmond, Campaign Manager for CAPS, are appealing for an end to the use of all animals in circuses and are calling on the Scottish Executive to implement a ban on the use of performing animals in circuses through the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act. Friday 8th June 2007 Protest at Cheltenham Science Festival The Cheltenham Science Festival takes place at the Cheltenham Town Hall in Imperial Square, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL50 1QA from 6th to 10th June 07. An animal rights demonstration is to take place at the venue from noon until 4pm on Friday 8th June 07. It was originally reported that protest would be directed against Professor Tipu Aziz and perhaps some of the sponsors who include major pharmaceutical companies. Gloucester Animal Action has now further noted that Colin Blakemore, Clive Page and Robert Winston will also be attending. The release of the further details is unlikely to increase the numbers already committed to attending. Lively protest can be expected and in the absence of any other main animal rights demonstrations the protest event may be reasonably well attended. In view of recent arrests, there may be a reluctance to try to gain access to the venue, although this cannot be discounted. At present, it is anticipated that protest will consist of a banner and placard protest outside the premises. The noise level and actions by the protestors will be governed by the police who will be present. SHAC protests in the Netherlands Holland -- The Dutch / Belgian SHAC group ‘Stop Dier Proeven’ has announced its intention to hold further protests in the Netherlands on Friday 8th June 07 in support of the SHAC campaign. On this occasion it has announced its intentions which are to hold protests at the following locations and times -


4

Allianz - Coolsingel 139 Rotterdam from 8am to 10.30am Allianz - Dr. J.M. den Uyksingel 16-18 Alphen a/d Rijn from 11.30am to 1pm Actelion - Beneluxlaan 2b Woerden from 1.45pm to 2.30pm Bristol Myers Squibb - Vijzelmolenlaan 9 Woerden from 2.45pm to 3.30pm Allianz - Buizerdlaan 12 Nieuwegein from 4pm to 7pm. Following the protests a benefit concert is due to take place at Occii, Amstelveenseweg 134. Because of the benefit concert the group may be able to attract greater numbers for their protests, especially in the afternoon period. However, it is unlikely that any of those involved will want to jeopardise their attendance at the event and no escalation in protest action is expected. Following the protests on 8t June 07, the next announce day for protest by the group is on Thursday 21st June 07 in Belgium. No locations have been issued as yet. Weekly Protest at HLS Regular weekly protest at HLS in Alconbury, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire is now being announced on the animal rights Veggies Calendar for every Friday between 3pm and 6m. The organiser would appear to be Maxine Kaye who can call upon around eight supporters to assist her. Protest is held within the conditions allowed by the HLS injunction which also applies to protest at the Company’s premises in Eye, Suffolk. Protest at HLS’ premises in Eye, Suffolk cannot take place until Tuesday 5th June 07 at the earliest. G8 solidarity protest in Bristol The Bristol Rising Tide group says it will be holding a Critical Mass commencing at 8am on Friday 8th June 07. It is inviting other like-minded protestors to join them on St. Augustines Parade in what they say is a ‘day of action by the International Rising Tide Network in solidarity with those protesting against the G8 meeting in Germany. They also point out that the 8th of June is the International Day of Action against Climate Change. Organisers say this Critical Mass is a ‘present to the working people of Bristol! If well attended, the demonstration could mean big delays in getting to work on a Friday morning, and a perfect excuse for phoning in late.’ Not all may see it that way. A recent Critical Mass in Bristol was allegedly dealt with in a robust manner by the police. It is likely they will adopt the same stand with this particular protest. Animal Experimentation: A Discussion with Peter Singer in Oxford UK -- VERO (Voice for Ethical Research at Oxford), who describe themselves as a ‘University-based group campaigning peacefully for the replacement of animals in research’ has invited Peter Singer, known as one of the founders of the modern animal liberation movement, to speak on animal experimentation while he is in Oxford. Sharon Howe, on behalf of VERO, says the event will take the form of a discussion rather than a formal lecture and is open to all. Peter Singer has said he welcomes questions from people on all sides of the debate. It takes place between 5pm and 7pm on Friday 8th June 07 at the Gulbenkian Lecture Theatre, St Cross Building, Manor Road, Oxford. Saturday 9th June 2007 Bristol Vegan Fayre 2007


5

UK -- The Bristol Vegan Fayre 2007, described by the organisers as ‘the world's biggest vegan event’, is to held on Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th June 07 in the Amphitheatre and Waterfront Square, central Bristol. It is mentioned in this report purely for the fact that animal rights activists will be attending and will be in the area over the weekend period. The event, now in its fifth, will hold talks and demonstrations, displays and music. The 130 stalls include the Southern Animal Rights Coalition (SARC), SPEAK, SHAC, Viva!, PETA, Animal Aid, BUAV, Sea Shepherd, Europeans for Medical Progress Trust, CAPS and the HSA . The Telegraph recently reported that a leaked email to a vegetarian campaign group from an Environment Agency official expresses sympathy with the environmental benefits of a vegan diet, which bans dairy products and fish. The agency also says DEFRA is considering recommending eating less meat as one of the "key environmental behaviour changes" needed to save the planet. It says that this change would have to be introduced "gently" because of "the risk of alienating the public". Anti-Fur protests in London The usual anti-fur protestors in London will be involved in protests at Harrods this Saturday. Protestors gather at the Brompton Road SW1, next to Knightsbridge tube. Support is again expected from no more than 20 anti-fur protestors. Supporters, who cannot make the protests during the weekend period, are asked to ‘politely email, phone, fax, and write to Harrods to request that it adopts a fur-free policy.’ At present, protest is lively but relatively peaceful with the display of banners and the distribution of leaflets. Anti-Greyhound Racing actions Coventry against Greyhound Exploitation (CAGE) holds a regular Saturday evening protest against dog racing at Coventry Stadium in Brandon. This is a well-supported action by some of the most dedicated animal rights supporters in the UK. To date, their protests have been peaceful. Greyhound Action supporters in South-West London have also begun holding actions outside Wimbledon Stadium, Plough Lane, London SW17 0BL every Saturday from 6.00pm to 7.30pm. At present, the protest only consists of leafleting before the main race night. In Reading, Greyhound Action supporters now hold occasional Saturday evening protests outside the dog track at the Reading Stadium on Saturday evenings to coincide with the race meeting. Protest is likely to take the form of banner and placard display. Fight the Pipe campaign The Fight the Pipe campaign is inviting supporters to an open day at their protest camp on Saturday 9th June 07. Throughout the same day campaign supporters will be holding an information stall in Eastgate Street in Gloucester city centre. In Brecon, the group is opposing National Grid's 197-mile long pipeline through Pembroke, Camarthen, the Swansea Valleys, Brecon Beacons National Park, Hay on Wye, Ross on Wye and Gloucester. The Brecon Camp is located about 5 miles from Brecon Town Centre, in the National Park on the A40 (West of Brecon). The camp is disrupting work by the Company but those involved in the camp have been expecting eviction. Their fears were well founded because a hearing is now due to take place in Cardiff on Thursday 7th June in the Cardiff Civil Justice Centre in Park Street, Cardiff South Wales, Wales, CF10 1ET at 10:30am


6

Background -- National Grid has made plans to create a 197 mile pipeline to supply 20% of the supply of gas in Britain. The pipe will transport Liquid Natural Gas (LNG, gas that has been cooled to liquid form at -161oC) from Milford Haven in Pembroke, South Wales, to Tirley in Gloucestershire. Gas will be transferred through the pipes at the 94barr pressure, which has never been tried before. Memorial gathering at Rugby Livestock Market At noon on Saturday 9th June 07, animal rights / welfare supporters will be holding a ‘memorial gathering’ at the entrance to Rugby livestock market in Craven Road before it moves to its new location in Stoneleigh. Janet Cummings, described as a long-time 'animal watcher' for Animal Aid is organising the event and is asking many people as possible to join her to ‘remember the many thousands of animals that have been sent to their deaths.’ Rugby Council has given permission for the event which will be peaceful and is likely to consist of speeches and ‘purple ribbon-tying’. It is likely that the local media will be present. Anti-Fur actions in Italy Italy -- A series of anti-fur protests is due to take place in Italy against Upim, a retail chain in Italy with 140 directly owned stores and 200 franchises. The announced protests to date are as follows – From 4pm on Saturday 9th June 07 in Via Gioberti, Florence. From 5pm on Friday 15th and Saturday 30th June 07 in Via Ugo Low, Bologna From 4pm on Saturday 30th June 07 in front of Upim, via Mazzini, Parma Protest also seems to be directed against the Italian Association Breeders of Mink (A.I.A.V.) and those responsible for the protest plea also cite criminal offences against the mink industry in Italy this year, which read as follows - 20 March 2007: Savona, freed approximately 600 minks. The economic damage for the owners of the breeding “Pisacane” was estimated as 200.000 euros. 12 March 2007: Ferrara, freed 1000 minks in the breeding of Giancarlo Giacometti 2 February 2007: S. Cataldo, Borgoforte, Mantova - cages opened. 28 January 2007: Freed 2000 minks from the breeding farm of Mario Zanella in Sabbioncello, Ferrara. Sunday 10th June 2007 Brighton Animal Rights information stall and update Brighton Animal Rights (BAA) gathers every Sunday outside the Brighton Sea Life where they leaflet and hold an information stall. The stall was one of those targeted in the police clamp down on illegal street collections. Their paraphernalia was confiscated and arrests were made. The group report that it was made clear to them they cannot solicit for money on stalls and ‘admit that one of their main sources of income has been severed.’ They now appeal for donations to be sent to Campaign, PO Box 307, Brighton BN2 1HW. BAA meets on the first and third Wednesday of every month at the Cowley Club on London Road, Brighton at 7pm. The group will again be hosting the World Day for Incarcerated Animals which this year which has been set for Saturday 22nd September 2007


7

Monday 11th June 2007 Possible protest at Sequani Regular unannounced protests have taken place at Sequani in Ledbury, Herefordshire from members of the Stop Sequani Animal Testing (SSAT) group. Despite charges against twelve of the group, relating to incidents and protest at secondary targets, the occasional protest continues at Sequani by committed members of the group. SSAT is no longer involved in secondary targeting but many of the group continue to be involved in all aspects of animal rights protests in the local counties. Tuesday 12th June 2007 SPEAK Night Vigil in Oxford SPEAK organisers have arranged another ‘night vigil’ to take place between 8pm and 8am Tuesday 12th and Wednesday 13th June 07. Those attending are meeting at the edge of the exclusion zone opposite the chemistry lab on South Parks Road, Oxford. A recent similar action, which took place on a weekend, attracted around fifteen supporters. The purpose of the all night vigils is unclear at present, save for the fact it causes more problems for the authorities. The situation is being monitored and any developments will be reported accordingly. Wednesday 13th June 2007 SHAC protests in France France -- SHAC has announced its intention of holding more protests in France from Wednesday 13th to Friday 15th June 07. As is necessary in France, they have approached the authorities and it is believed organisers have been able to gain permission to hold their demonstrations. The protests are as follows - Wednesday 13th June 2007 NYSE Euronext, 39, rue Cambon, 75039 Paris from 07.30 to 9.30am Sanofi-Aventis, 174 Avenue de France, 75013 Paris from 11.00am to 1pm Abbott Labs, 10 Rue d'Arceuil, Silic 233, 94528 Rungis from noon to 1pm GSK, 100 Route de Versailles, 78163 Marly-Le-Roy from 3pm to 7pm Thursday 14th June 2007 NYSE Euronext, 39, rue Cambon, 75039 Paris from 07.30 to 9.30am Sanofi-Aventis, 174 Avenue de France, 75013 Paris from 11.00am to 1pm GSK, 23 rue Lavoisier, 27091 Evreux from 3pm to 7pm Friday 15th June 2007 Bristol Myers Squibb, 3 Rue Joseph Monier, 92506 Rueil-Malmaison from 7am to 10pm Novartis Pharma, 2 et 4, rue Lionel Terray, F-92506 Rueil-Malmaison from 1am to 12.30pm Novartis, 14, boulevard Richelieu, F-92845 Rueil-Malmaison Cedex from 12.30pm to 1.30pm Mauritian Embassy, 127 Rue de Tocqueville 75017 Paris from 3pm to 4pm It is anticipated that a few French activists will probably be joined by some of the Belgian/ Dutch ‘Stop Dier Proeven’ group. It is not known if any activists from the UK will attend although it is thought that in view of the recent arrests this will be unlikely. Neither the numbers of protestors nor the level of protest is expected to be high. However, the threat of ‘home visits’ remains higher during this period and, although few and far between, there have been some recent Bite Back offences reported in France.


8

Weekly anti-armament protest in Brighton ……please see 6th June 2007 Wednesday protest at NIMR in London …..as above Thursday 14th June 2007 Possible Animal Rights meeting in Reading Loose details of an animal rights meeting have been published by SHAC. Some of the items for discussion are said to be SHAC, SPEAK, Greyhound Action, Hunt Sabbing and a showing of the animal rights film ‘Behind the Mask’. No location has been announced as yet. Regular Thursday protest at Oxford University ….. please see 7th May 2007 Weekly Protest at HLS ……….please see 8th June 2007 Saturday 16th June 2007 AR Protest at Three Counties Show On Saturday 16th June 07 West Mercia activists are inviting like-minded protestors to join them for an anti-live exports / meat / dairy demonstration from 10.00am at The Three Counties show which takes place at the Malvern Showground is WR13 6NW. The appeal is particularly directed to activists who will be attending the nearby ARC meeting over the weekend period. Anti-Fur protests in London ………. please see 9th June 2007 Anti-Greyhound Racing actions in Coventry, Wimbledon and Reading …….as above Sunday 17th June 2007 Animal Rights Coalition National Meeting Sunday 17th June has been set for the next Animal Rights Coalition (ARC) meeting which will take place at Evesham Town Hall, Evesham, Worcestersire WR11 commencing at around noon and finishing at around 5pm. Organisers say that among the important items to be discussed are the ‘recent series of raids and the general climate of repression (and resistance), the forthcoming international gathering in the Netherlands in August, and organising a UK gathering in September.’ Doors open from 10am for ‘vegan breakfast and snacks by Veggies, info stalls, films etc’. All the extreme groups are usually represented and over 40 persons can be expected to attend. It is likely that efforts will again be made to forge closer links between the groups and their ‘leading personnel’ but the event is expected to be dominated by the ‘Operation Achilles’ arrests. Although there is no evidence that incidents have occurred before or after the event, recently targeted companies should be aware that groups of extremists will be travelling to and from the area. In this instance, any action may be directed against the Three Counties Show taking place in nearby Malvern.


9

Past Events Incidents and Events from 30th May to 6th June 2007

Animal Rights Section Arrests and Court Updates SPEAK Campaign UK -- This is Oxfordshire reported that on 30th May 07 fourteen SPEAK supporters were all cleared of refusing police orders to break up the demonstration against Oxford University's animal experiments laboratory outside the Sheldonian Theatre at the Encaenia ceremony in July 2006. More lively and well-supported demonstrations can be expected from the group now they are not restricted by the almost year-long bail conditions although legislation and the University’s injunction will still cause them difficulty in and around the new Laboratory area. The leaders of the campaign have not as yet laid out any new strategy. It is likely they will seek recompense from Thames Valley Police following the events in Court as outlined below. 70-year-old Pauline Broughton was found guilty of obstructing a police officer and Fran Cornwell guilty of assaulting a police officer - both received absolute discharges. District judge Deborah Wright cleared all 14 defendants of offences under section 14 of the Public Order Act. In court were: - Pauline Broughton, 70, of Northampton, her son Mel Broughton, 46, also of Northampton, Fran Cornwell, 59, of Milton Keynes, Anna Cooke, 31, of High Wycombe, Sheila English, 64, of Bedford, Brett Gordon, 42, of Cross Street, Oxford, Anthony Morrison, 43, of Newcastle, Emma Speed, 39, of Leigh-on-Sea, Eileen Kinghorn, 43, of Bow, London, Michael Haines, 59, of Cirencester, Trevor Holmes, 50, of Newcastle, Amanda James, 42, of Bluntisham Joanna Robertson, 29, from Rading Melanie Bates, 35, from Reading. Deborah Scicluna, 46, of London and Rachel Nelson, 40, of North Wootton, had their charges dropped earlier in the trial. During last summer's protest, demonstrators refused to move from outside the Sheldonian Theatre, where the Encaenia ceremony was being held, and instead sat down. The judge condemned the police for unlawfully stopping their protest. She also stated, “Whoever was responsible for making the decision that this prosecution should proceed in light of the tape may well have made a serious error of judgment."


10

She also added that the protesters had been under a "metaphoric microscope" by police. Damning tape-recordings of unguarded comments from the police also emerged during the trial which did not help their cause. The Oxford Mail reported that those acquitted have now called for an investigation and say they are considering legal action. SPEAK spokesman Mel Broughton said: "I hope someone, somewhere is going to make the very brave decision to investigate these officers thoroughly. I am certainly going to be looking at taking our own proceedings against the police. If the system in place won't do anything about it then we have to defend our basic rights - we are going to have to look for a way of doing it ourselves." Thames Valley Police Deputy Chief Constable Alex Marshall has promised to review the case to consider disciplinary action against the officers involved. Animal activist barred from NZ UK / New Zealand -- TVNZ reported that New Zealand animal rights group Open Rescue wanted to bring Keith Mann to New Zealand to ‘spread the word’ but when Mann attempted to check in at Heathrow for a flight to the country he was banned from travelling due to his significant criminal record. The article reported that Mann has served eight years in prison for a range of offences including arson and planting fire bombs at a battery hen farm, all in the name of animal rights. It also stated that the British and American governments classify the ALF as the second worst terrorist threat after Islamic groups like Al Qaeda. Despite Mann being barred from the country, local animal activists in New Zealand say their fight will go on, and say they are also prepared to break the law for animal rights. The spokesperson was Mark Eden. Criminal Offences Criminal offences reported on Bite Back The extremists’ website, Bite Back, has again been updated with anonymous reports of offences in the UK, Chile and France. They are as follows – UK -- On Sunday 6th May 07 extremists say they ignited several incendiary devices at Field Farm in Netherton Road, Appleton, Oxfordshire. Damage was later estimated at around £500,000. Those responsible say they will continue to carry out actions against businesses involved in ‘transporting animals to their deaths and raising animals to be killed.’ Their communiqué also stated, “This action was taken to coincide with Tony Blair's departure. The ALF were around long before you came to power, and we will be there long after you are gone and forgotten." The Oxford Mail reported on the incident Oxford Mail. The managing director of the Farm, said: "This was a totally senseless act that could have killed people. They used petrol incendiary devices underneath two large tractors to set off the fires, and the fuel tanks exploded. The tractors were destroyed and other expensive farm equipment was badly damaged. Fortunately, the compound was isolated and no one was hurt - but the results could have been fatal had anyone been close by.


11

The fire was spotted at about 10.45pm on Sunday and people were seen running away. Chile -- A report stated that on 1st June 2006, the Pontifícia Universidad Católica de Chile was attacked by the Frente de Liberación Animal (F.L.A) with red paint, burning oil and slogans, at the entrance to the Faculty of Biological Sciences, because approximately100 primates are used in research at the university. To continue to highlight their grievance, it appears that activists have recently sent a hoax device. Further actions were promised. France -- Overnight 27th to 28th May 07 a number of locks were glued at targeted premise in Bordeaux, France. They included two restaurants, Laffite and Dubernet because of the sale of foie gras, Alaska fur and Paseo (bullfighting). France -- A report dated 30th May 07 said that the media in France had reported an arson attack on the Zavatta circus during a stop in Saint-Berthevin. Three trucks were damaged. Gloucestershire Animal Action admits theft UK -- Chris from Gloucestershire Animal Action reported that during May his group stole a dozen chickens from a farm in Little Witcombe, Gloucester. They say the facility holds more than 70,000 chickens. They say they were obliged to carry out their action because of the poor conditions the chickens were kept in. They claimed that DEFRA had previously visited the premises. They say they will pay for the damaged lock but not the chickens. They welcome donations via their website ‘towards transportation costs and vet bills.’ Updates on Animal Rights Campaigns Harlan UK – Five local protestors from Loughborough Animal Concern (LAC) were involved in a protest at Harlan UK in Dodgeford Lane, Loughborough, Leicestershire on Friday 1st June 07. There were no incidents. Huntingdon Life Sciences (HLS) UK – There have been no protests held at HLS in Huntingdon since Friday 25th May 07. Last week’s announced protest was cancelled by the organiser. There were no demonstrations held at the Company’s premises in Eye, Suffolk. HLS - secondary targeting UK -- On 30th May 07 around a dozen SHAC activists held a noisy demonstration for the first time at the new secondary target of Allianz Insurance Plc in Guildford, Surrey. Allianz was identified in emails and on the SHAC website earlier in the week as being the parent company of Dresdner Bank who the activists claim are shareholders in HLS. The group displayed banners and placards and used an array of megaphones during their two-hour demonstration outside the company’s UK Head Office situated in Ladymead, GU1 1DB. An account of their actions claim that local media also attended. Further protest was threatened. On 5th June 07 the SHAC website reported that the Company had sold all its shares in HLS.


12

A headline banner on the front page of the Dutch and UK SHAC websites announced the fact and also named the continued targets of Deutsche Bank, AXA, Robeco, Fairfield Greenwich Associates and Merrill Lynch. UK -- On 4th June 07 around seven SHAC activists held another demonstration at Industrial Cooling Supplies in New Milton, Hampshire. The group were again armed with a megaphone, an anti-HLS banner and anti-HLS placards and held a noisy demonstration at the gates of the premises. A similar protest had taken place earlier in the day at Wyeth in New La, Havant, PO9 2NG UK -- On Friday 1st June 07, five young SHAC activists held a noisy protest at Novartis in Horsham, Sussex. As usual the display of a banner and placards was accompanied by the occasional use of a megaphone. Germany --The animal rights group tierrechtstermine.de website said it will be holding protests on Thursday 31st May 07 in Munich against BMS, GSK and Sankyo, however, no protests took place. Holland -- The Dutch / Belgian SHAC group ‘Stop Dier Proeven’ announced its intention to hold ‘Customer and Financial’ protests in the Netherlands on Thursday 31st May 07. The premises targeted were Novartis in Arnhem, GSK and Teva in Utrecht and Van der Moolen and Euronext in Amsterdam. Their intentions were not widely broadcast before the event and at present it is unclear whether they liaised fully with the authorities before holding their actions. The group of around ten protestors displayed banners and placards and used megaphones, although the length of time they were able to use their megaphones at the GSK premises were curtailed to fifteen minutes. National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) UK –Members of the campaign against the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) held their usual Wednesday evening demonstration at the NIMR in Mill Hill on 30th May 07. Five protestors attended the low-key demonstration which did not require policing. SPEAK Campaign / Oxford University UK -- On Thursday 31st May the acquitted SPEAK protesters re-joined their fellow activists at the weekly demonstration in South Parks Road, Oxford. Around twenty-five activists gathered and held a reasonably orderly protest in front of a larger than normal police presence. The present spin from SPEAK reads as follows - “It is now abundantly clear that our so-called elected leaders have no interest in ethics or the future of real science but instead are prepared to sit back and defend animal abuse because it's profitable. In doing so they have abandoned any commitment to defending 'free speech' or 'rights to protest' in favour of being in collusion with the pharmaceutical and biotech industry, at the expense of real human based medical research. It would be nice to think that TVP will now conduct themselves in an unbiased manner towards those seeking to express their human rights and not just pay 'lip service' to facilitating lawful protest, but we somehow doubt it. Irrespective however, the fight goes on and in the end despite the odds, we are confident we will be victorious.” UK -- On 2nd June 07 around 50 SPEAK supporters held a noisy protest at the edge exclusion zone in South Parks Road, Oxford for the campaign’s first-Saturday-of-the-month demonstration.


13

Mel Broughton spoke to the assembly before they moved to the Cornmarket shopping area where they displayed banners and distributed leaflets advertising SPEAK’s forthcoming national demonstration which takes place on Saturday 1st September 07 in Oxford. Sequani UK -- During the late afternoon of Monday 30th May 07 a lone protestor held a low-key demonstration outside the Sequani premises in Ledbury, Herefordshire. She was joined by a colleague in a similar demonstration two days later and was again present when four of the Stop Sequani Animal Testing (SSAT) protest group held a two-hour afternoon demonstration on Tuesday 5th June 07 as the employees were leaving the premises. There were no incidents in any of the protests. Wickham Laboratories UK -- No incidents have taken place at Wickham Laboratories in Hampshire since Friday 25th May 07. Miscellaneous AR Items Report on Air Canada beagle shipments to Europe Canada / EU -- Air Canada’s shipments to Europe of beagles to be used in research came to notice when the Montreal Gazette reported on the fact that passengers on a flight from Canada found the sound of the dogs in the hold ‘very distressing.’ The estimated 70 to 100 healthy beagles were among regular - and perfectly legal - trans-Atlantic shipments by Air Canada of dogs destined for medical experiments. Liz White, a director of the Animal Alliance of Canada, a national animal rights group was quoted as saying that "Fifty per cent of all dogs used for medical research in Canada are used in Quebec" The article reported that figures found on the website the Canadian Council on Animal Care, a government-funded organization that monitors animal research, showed 5,610 dogs were "used" in Quebec in 2005. That same year, 5,127 dogs were used in all the other provinces combined. Air Canada refused to carry monkeys intended for vivisection. Coca-Cola also agrees to curb Animal Tests Global -- Fox News has reported that Coca-Cola Co has joined rival PepsiCo in pledging that it will not fund or conduct animal experiments. The move was confirmed in a letter from the Company’s Senior Vice President in a letter to PETA. Coke is now asking all partners and research organizations to use alternatives to animal testing, according to the company letter to PETA. PepsiCo Inc. (PEP), which made the same move earlier this month. "Pepsi's announcement helped to spur Coke along," said Bruce Friedrich, a vice president of PETA. PETA, whose campaign to change practices at Coke and Pepsi lasted about a year, said it now would target consumer products giants Altria Group (MO) and Unilever (ULVR).


14

In January, Roll International, which makes Pom Wonderful pomegranate juice, agreed to cease tests on animals after PETA publicised a 2005 study financed by the company and the retailer Whole Foods threatened to stop selling Pom Wonderful over the issue. Anti-greyhound racing actions UK -- The Southern Animal Rights Coalition (SARC) has launched a new campaign against Portsmouth Greyhound stadium in an effort to close the track down. The group held a placard protest on the evening of Saturday 3rd June with seven of their number returning to hold a further similar protest on 4th June 07. UK -- Action for Greyhounds appealed for supporters to hold an early evening demonstration on Tuesday 5th June 07 at Yarmouth Greyhound Stadium, Bure Park, Caister Road, Norfolk.. The reason for the appeal was that there was live TV coverage of the final night of the TV Greyhound Trophy. Placard and leaflet protest was expected with efforts also made to attract the local media. Anti-Foie Gras Actions UK -- Activists recently held anti-foie gras protests at the following locations in Gloucestershire - Le Petit Croissant, High Street,Chipping Campden, GL55 6AL Lords of the Manor, Upper Slaughter, Bourton-on-the-Water, Cheltenham, GL54 2JD Cotswold House Hotel, Chipping Campden, GL55 6AN and the Dormy House Hotel, Willersey Hill, Broadway, Worcestershire WR12 7LF. They claim that at one of the locations they disturbed a wedding party. Global -- During the week Yahoo News reported that Sir Roger Moore has teamed up with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and the Animal Protection & Rescue League (APRL) by narrating a video in which he points out that foie gras is a ‘disease, not a delicacy.’ Zoo protest in Zagreb Croatia -- On 26th May 07, Animal Friends Croatia (AFC) held a demonstration at Zagreb Zoo in Maksimir Park in order to draw attention to the alleged poor conditions for animals in Croatian zoos and to protest against the confininement of animals in zoos. AFC members handing out leaflets and displayed posters. Anti-Fur protests UK -- On Saturday 2nd June 07 London anti-fur protestors were again in action at Harrods in Knightsbridge. Lively but relatively peaceful protest took place by around twenty demonstrators.

Environmental Section

Climate Change, Energy and Aviation Protest at start of public enquiry into Stansted Airport expansion


15

UK –The BBC reported that protesters lobbied the first session of a public inquiry into expanding Stansted Airport. The article noted that the campaigners from nearby towns and villages were far from the stereotype of green activists but for all their good-natured banter and respectable clothes, they were driven by a genuine passion. The protest was called by Stop Stansted Expansion (SSE), a pressure group made up of local people who are opposed to extending the airport. Its members were augmented by members of Friends of the Earth and the National Trust. Stanstead’s owner, BAA, has asked for permission to increase the number of passengers using the airport from 25 million to 35 million each year. SSE believes the plans will increase pollution, mean greater noise and inconvenience for local people and spell doom for the environmentally-sensitive Hatfield Forest, which sits adjacent to the airport. BAA has argued that the environmental impact of the proposed expansion could be minimised. But the local people making their presence felt at the inquiry were unconvinced. G8 - Anti-Globalisation protests G8 Update – arrests and incidents Germany – The Guardian reported that on Saturday 2nd June 07 25,000 people were at the Rostock rally against the G8, capitalism, globalisation and the Iraq war, but its organisers put the number at 80,000. Nearly 1,000 people were injured in the riots that broke out during the protest. A Police spokesman said that 433 police officers were injured, 30 of whom suffered serious injuries. Around 520 demonstrators were wounded, primarily by stinging tear gas, and 20 of them were injured seriously, according to the protesters' spokeswoman Sabine Zimpel. A march including organisations such as Attac, Germany's Left Party, church groups and labour unions turned violent after demonstrators in black masks and hoods began to throw stones, bottles and flaming objects at police. The police responded with tear gas, water cannons and batons. "We distance ourselves clearly from these violent people," Zimpel said. On Monday police said fewer than 20 people remained in jail, with 10 accused of rioting. The ‘legal team’ for the protestors reported a total of 164 arrests. On Sunday 3rd June, it was reported that ‘around 1.500’ people took part in a demonstration as part of the 'Agriculture Day of Action' in the city of Rostock under the theme of "Resistance is Fruitful". The demonstration passed peacefully, Earlier in the day a group of people staged a sit down protest outside the detention centre in Industrie Str where most of those arrested were being kept, and another one took place later in front of the court in Werder Str. Following the weekend events German authorities closed most routes to the G8 summit site at Heiligendamm and pulled over cars for spot checks on the main road from Rostock. The three-day summit started today, Wednesday 6th June 07 in Heiligendamm, about 12 miles west of Rostock, where the German chancellor, Angela Merkel, leads talks with the leaders of Britain, France, Japan, Italy, Russia, Canada and the US, on economics, aid and global warming. Germany will deploy about 16,000 police officers from all over the country to prevent unrest before and during the three-day summit.


16

Bloomberg report that this morning, 6th June anti-globalisation protesters blocked roads leading to the G8 Summit in Heiligendamm. TV pictures showed demonstrators crossing fields close to a 12-kilometer barbed-wire perimeter fence surrounding the hotel complex. Two groups of protesters, one of 5,500 and the other of 3,500, were involved, N-TV television said. Protesters had reached the fence and were within an area where demonstrations have been banned. Police deployed tear gas and water cannon in an attempt to disperse the protesters. Police vehicles were blocked by logs strewn across roads and the rail line from Kuehlungsborn to Bad Doberan through Heiligendamm was also blocked by protesters. On 5th June 07 demonstrators protested peacefully. As many as 800 protesters, some wearing clown outfits and with their faces painted, marched through Kuehlungsborn to the press centre to criticize the media's coverage of the event, before heading to the beach. News Headlines 5th June 2007 Taking your liberties UK --The film, Taking Liberties, is a documentary about eroding civil liberties in present-day Britain. It will be showing in cinemas in major cities across the UK starting next weekend. You think it couldn’t happen here? It did in America and nobody batted an eyelid. (Source – BBC) DVD Comes Under Fire UK -- GSK has come under fire from animal rights activists. The pharmaceutical company has produced a DVD for schools explaining why animals are used for developing medical treatments. The NAVS says the DVD is part of a well-financed campaign to encourage children to support experiments on animals. (Source - Gloucestershire Echo) Badger Cull Decision Likely UK -- The Government finally looks set to accept that there is a need to cull badgers to help stem the spread of TB in cattle. The Environment Secretary is this week expected to back an independent study into the disease, which costs the tax payer £100 million a year. Herd restrictions in the region are at their highest level for a decade and there were 788 new suspected outbreaks in January and February compared with 703 in the same months in 2006. Last year, incidents of bovine TB saw a fifth of all Devon and Cornwall's beef and dairy farms under movement restriction because they had animals that had reacted positively to a bovine TB test. (Source – This is Devon) 4th June 2007 Don't listen to what the rich world's leaders say - look at what they do UK -- It is time once again for that touching annual ritual, in which the world's most powerful people move themselves to tears. At Heiligendamm they will emote with the wretched of the earth. (Source - The Guardian, George Monbiot) Dutch try to grow enviro-friendly meat in lab The Netherlands -- Dutch researchers are trying to grow pork meat in a labwith the goal of feeding millions without the need to raise and slaughter animals. (Source – EU News) 3rd June 2007 Russia threatens Europe over US missile plans EU -- Russia's president Vladimir Putin has revived the atmosphere of the Cold war era - when Washington and Moscow both aimed missiles at each other – by threatening to target Russian weapons towards European territory, if the US builds its missile shield in Eastern Europe. (Source – EU Observer) US visa issue causes EU divisions


17

EU / USA -- All Europeans may in the future have to obtain online visas if they want to travel to the United States, with Brussels waiting to see the final outcome of US legislation before deciding if it will take reciprocal measures. (Source – EU Observer) World Organisation for Animal Health passes animal welfare Resolution Global -- On Friday 25 May, the 169 countries who are members of the OIE, the World Animal Health Organisation, passed a Resolution supporting the Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare (which refers to "sentient animals"). (Source – CIWF) Ten Thousand Chinese Protest Chemical Plant China -- On June 1, 2007, over 10,000 people in Xiamen went to the streets to protest the government's attempt to build a paraxylene chemical plant. A witness said the Xiamen govt went from a tough to a passive and compromising attitude. (Source - The Epoch Times) 1st June 2007 EU to strengthen surveillance of terrorist websites EU -- The EU wants to strengthen its monitoring of militant Islamic websites, saying the internet plays a major role in the running and communication network of terrorist organisations. EU ambassadors gathering for their weekly meeting in Brussels on Wednesday (30 May) decided that a newly established online police portal "needs to be further strengthened" to combat terrorism, according to press reports. The high-security portal - named "Check the Web" - was launched earlier this month and allows the 27 EU states to pool data on Islamist propaganda and internet chatter at the European Police Office (Europol) in The Hague. (Source – EU Observer) DEFRA denies the switch to a vegan diet email UK – A Government agency has denied allegations that it is secretly trying to convert the public to vegetarianism. A leaked e-mail from the Environment Agency was reported to have advised that if the public switched to a vegan diet it would be better for the environment. It allegedly added that this would have to be introduced gradually so as not to alienate the public. However, the agency said this week that it had no intentions of stopping the British public from eating meat. (Source – Farmers Guardian) EU's REACH chemicals law begins life in Helsinki EU -- About 40 EU officials will on Friday (1 June) start work at the new European Chemicals Agency in Helsinki, as the EU's REACH chemicals bill officially enters into force. But consumers will wait years before they see any changes in household goods like detergents, perfumes or toys. The 40 staff - seconded from Brussels - will begin by opening phone lines for companies unsure how to handle the new law. They will also set up computer systems to hold the massive amounts of data that will be generated by REACH and train another 60 staff to start work in December. REACH - which stands for Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals - is designed to cut health risks associated with everyday chemicals by forcing companies to register safety information with the Helsinki body and - in extreme cases - to substitute dangerous chemicals with safer alternatives. Seven years in the making and 1,000 pages long, the bill is the most complex in EU history. Companies will be obliged to give new data on 30,000 chemicals. In 1,500 cases of risky substances, they will have to prove "adequate control." A small handful of highly toxic chemicals will be scrapped. But despite entering into force on Friday, the first deadline for registering new information with Helsinki is June 2008. Other deadlines for registering chemicals produced or imported in small amounts will be phased in up to June 2018. And the full legal package will not be in place until 2022. (Source – EU Observer) 31st May 2007 China sentences former food and drugs chief to death Beijing -- The disgraced head of China's food and drug agency was sentenced to death today amid a wave of consumer safety scandals that have rippled across the world. Zheng Xiaoyu was found guilty of accepting 6.5m yuan (GBP433,000) worth of bribes from pharmaceutical companies to expedite the approval of new drugs. Underscoring the state's determination to crackdown on corruption and consumer safety violations, he is the most senior official to receive the death penalty in seven years. (Source – The Guardian)


18

weekly digest - aivd · the organiser would appear to be maxine kaye who can call upon around eight...

Documents