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For several years, UCLA researchers and administrators have been subjected to an organized campaign of harassment intended to halt the use of all animals in research. This has included the firebombing of a faculty member's home, the attempted firebombing of a faculty member's vehicle, an attempted firebombing directed at a faculty member's home, significant vandalism, threatening phone calls and e-mails, and demonstrations at the private residences of faculty and administrators.

 

In some instances, demonstrators have worn masks, used bullhorns and banged on doors in the middle of the night. Faculty members' families, including young children, have been subjected to harassment and shouts of threatening language designed to make them fear for their physical safety. In February 2008, UCLA obtained a restraining order against three groups and five individuals, prohibiting them from harassing personnel involved in animal research.

 

The attempted firebombings are being investigated by the FBI and other law enforcement agencies as acts of domestic terrorism. UCLA condemns in the strongest possible terms the deplorable tactics of violence and attempted intimidation employed by animal rights extremists. UCLA officials will not meet with activists who have failed to denounce the use of violence.

 

UCLA remains steadfast in its commitment to the legal use of laboratory animals in research for the benefit of society. Such research has enhanced our understanding of how the human body functions and has led to the development of lifesaving procedures and medicines — among them radiation therapy and other cancer treatments, open-heart surgery, fetal circulatory health treatments, organ transplantation, mental health treatments, and vaccines. Discontinuing all animal research would diminish hope for millions of people with AIDS, cancer, heart disease and other ailments.

 

Research involving laboratory animals at UCLA is heavily monitored and conducted in compliance with stringent and multiple federal laws and university regulations established to ensure humane care. All requests to utilize animals in research undergo a rigorous review by an independent committee of well-informed scientists, veterinarians and members of the general public to ensure scientific necessity and humane treatment.

 

Statements to the contrary by demonstrators are patently false, without foundation and harmful to personal, professional and scientific reputations. Animal rights extremists consistently mischaracterize and inaccurately describe specific research conducted at UCLA.