Pharmaceutical industry called for more legal protection

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Call for protection as auditors quit UK animal lab

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UK: March 5, 2003

 

 

LONDON - Britain's pharmaceuticals industry called for more legal protection

this week after auditors to a leading drug-testing laboratory quit in the

face of violent protests by animal rights activists.

 

 

 

Deloitte & Touche announced at the weekend it would not stand for

re-election as auditor of Huntingdon Life Sciences. The move follows

harassment and violence towards its directors and staff.

 

" This type of intimidation by animal extremists is entirely unacceptable, "

said Andrew Curl, deputy director general of the Association of the British

Pharmaceutical Industry.

 

" It is clearly time for a tightening of legislation to protect people and

companies from the often violent and extreme activities of animal rights

activists. "

 

Huntingdon and its backers have been the target of attacks for a number of

years, leading to the gradual withdrawal of many professional services to

the company.

 

The British government is now providing insurance and banking for the group

because of the reluctance of commercial organisations to be associated with

the company.

 

After repeated attacks on its staff and threats to shareholders, Huntingdon

- based near Cambridge in eastern England - delisted from the London Stock

Exchange and moved its headquarters to the United States.

 

The government has since brought in new laws to protect companies from

violent protests but industry leaders said recent developments showed more

protection was still needed.

 

 

 

REUTERS NEWS SERVICE