WORLD DAY FOR LAB ANIMALS - OXFORD SATURDAY 22nd APRIL

A sea of compassionate humanity.
Click image to enlargeApproximately 1200 animal rights campaigners massed in Oxford city centre as a part of the ongoing and successful campaign against Oxford University’s planned animal torture lab and to mark World Day for Laboratory Animals.

Oxford University friends in the media and had been confidently predicting all week that the demonstration would number only 500 to 600. As it turned out that number was easily doubled and far exceeded the march held by the pro-vivisectionists earlier on in the year, when no more than 600 people marched, many of them in full hunting regalia, which clearly illustrated that the march was more anti animal rights than a pro-vivisectionist.

The march of the pro vivisectionists of just a few hundred people, many who attended having a vested interest in the continuance of vivisection, paled in comparison to the sea of humanity that made its way through the streets of Oxford to protest against animal abuse. Compassionate people united, having made their way from all across the UK as well different parts of Europe--some from as far away as Germany, Belgium and Switzerland; determined not just to stop the Oxford animal lab but to expose the fraudulent scientific practice of vivisection.

Andrew Tyler,
Director of
Animal Aid.The demonstration began in the very heart of historic Oxford in Broad St. The day's events began with speeches from various representatives of the anti-vivisection movement, both campaigners and scientists alike. First to speak was the Director of Animal Aid, Andrew Tyler. Andrew spoke of the hypocrisy of a media that have become so obsessed with painting a picture of the animal rights movement as a fanatical lunatic fringe that they could no longer even report factually about the real issues that lie at the core of the very real arguments against vivisection. He also reminded us all of what it meant to be an animal locked up in a laboratory like the partially built Lab in South Parks Rd, should it ever be completed, the very real suffering that laboratory animals are forced to endure, and why we must continue to stand up and speak out.

Andrew Knight,
founder of Animal
Consultants.Next to speak was Andrew Knight, a London based veterinarian and founder of Animal Consultants, a group of vets, scientists and lawyers who work to improve the lives of all animals. Andrew spoke about his groundbreaking work to change the way that veterinarians now approach their training in terms of abandoning the need for experiments on animals in favour of a more humane and scientifically valid form of veterinary medicine. Andrew also spoke of the studies he and his colleagues had undertaken into looking at the scientific validity of using animals to model human disease including a study that revealed the poor predictability for humans of animal carcinogenicity tests for which he received an award at an international scientific conference in 2005.

The final speaker in Broad St was Amanda Richards of the former SNGP campaign (Save the Newchurch Guinea Pigs). Amanda reminded us of just how important it was to keep up the pressure on Oxford University and also pointed out that it is now two and half years since work first started on Oxford's animal torture centre. Despite work having supposedly re-started on the lab in early December 2005, no work has actually taken place on the lab itself. It would appear the university are once again in trouble

The march eventually left Broad St, making its way towards the busy High St where part of the march was conducted in silence. This coupled with the large numbers of people present made for a very powerful spectacle. It was noted at this point that tiny group of pro-vivisectionists attempted to cause trouble by holding up banners advocating the murder of animal rights activists. This once again highlighted what a truly pathetic and reactionary group of individuals they are. Predictably, the Police refused to remove their banners despite the fact that they were clearly inciting violence. One wonders what would have been the reaction of the Police if it had been anti-vivisectionists holding up banners advocating violence against those that abuse animals. However those marching ignored the puerile and sad stunt and the pointless exhibitionism was eclipsed by the overwhelmingly positive response we received from the majority of the public. Many even joined the march and all were made to feel very welcome.

Oxford University
graduate
Matthew SimpsonThe demonstration made its way over Magdalen Bridge before massing again at Cowley Place; here we were to hear from the fourth speaker of the day Matthew Simpson. Matthew is a former graduate of Oxford University and supporter of the SPEAK campaign. He spoke very passionately about freedom and the right to 'free speech' which his former university have taken such a repressive attitude towards. Matthew also reminded us all that our freedom to speak out is now, more than ever, inextricably linked to the animals and humans we are fighting for. In characteristic style, Matthew welcomed everyone to Oxford as the next generation of liberators who are following the path of the illustrious people in the past who have advocated and campaigned against other forms of abuse. Matthew pointed out that the animal rights movement are the heirs to a truly civilised society.

Click on image
to enlargeThe march then moved off to continue its way around Oxford. It was an inspiring sight to see so many compassionate people still prepared to stand up and be counted in times when our rights to protest are under attack. In bright sunshine the march eventually reached its conclusion in Keble Rd. At this point a representative from SPEAK told the demonstration that now more than ever we need to stand up and be counted. The fight over the Oxford animal lab will continue day in and day out and a truly historic victory for the animals and people is within sight. SPEAK would like to thank all those who worked so hard to make the day the success it so clearly was. But most importantly, the day was for the animals and tomorrow we will continue this fight.