Threat to freedom

11:14am Monday 25th July 2005

TOUGH new powers were implemented on July 1 to tackle animal rights "extremist campaigns of violence and intimidation."

Although the measures do not officially affect peaceful, law-abiding organisations such as ourselves, The BUAV (British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection), as we do not conduct protests outside people's homes or harass anyone, and are opposed to violence of any kind, we do have concerns.

We are concerned that these powers will be a serious threat to freedom of expression for anyone who opposes animal experiments making it an offence, for example, to cause economic damage.

Could this mean that exerting economic pressure will be illegal for anti-vivisectionists, however peacefully and reasonably they behave?

Adolfo Sansolini Chief Executive, The BUAV, Crane Grove, London