ANIMAL EXTREMIST ATTACKS ON THE DECLINE, ABPI SAYS

The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) has released new figures showing that there were no personal assaults by animal extremists on British drug company employees in 2006. There was also a decline in abusive messages and instances of damage to property. The results follow encouraging figures reported in 2005 and reflect a sustained downward trend in violent and intimidating animal extremism.

"We are especially pleased to see a sharp fall in attacks on people's homes," Philip Wright, the ABPI science and technology director, said. "This behaviour is particularly intimidating and threatening."

The figures show the number of abusive or threatening letters and text messages received by companies and suppliers involved with animal research fell from 36 in 2005 to just six in 2006. Also, there were 50 instances of damage to property last year compared with 86 the previous year.

However, the number of people taking part in peaceful protests has remained constant, showing that new laws brought in to tackle extremism have not harmed the rights of freedom of speech, according to the ABPI.

The group also noted that the number of companies that succumb to pressure not to work with those involved in animal research has sharply declined, with 39 in 2006 compared with 103 in 2005.