UCLA vs. Animal Activists: Candlelight Vigil, Counter Protest Scheduled

AP Photo

Welcome to National Primate Liberation Week, which a UCLA press release describes as "when extremists typically post and distribute misleading or false information about animal research."

Over the years, UCLA has been the target of threats and actions over the use of animals in testing and research. Case in point, a professor's car was firebombed last March. That car was owned by researcher David Jentsch who then created Pro-Test for Science, which demonstrates support for animal research, counters misinformation and denounces violence and harassment.

"UCLA has been very supportive of my work and that of other researchers who utilize lab animals, and the advertisement placed by the campus is a welcome public demonstration of that support," Jentsch said.

On Sunday, UCLA placed a full-page ad (.pdf) in the LA Times, asking people to sign a petition in support of responsible animal research that contributes to lives saved. Come this Saturday evening, UCLA officials are supporting a counter protest at Westwood Boulevard and LeConte Avenue where animal rights groups will be holding a candlelight vigil.