Remembering George - Mars Inc Demo report, Mon 4th Sept

The Week of Action for George began at Mars Inc at Waltham-on-the-Wolds in Leicestershire. This week of action has been dedicated to 'George', the rhesus macaque monkey who was deliberately blinded by so-called scientists at Oxford University before being killed.

Twenty supporters of the SPEAK campaign kicked off the week of action with a visit to Masterfoods National Office & Pet Nutrition Centre (part of Mars Inc) at Freeby Lane near Waltham. On arrival we were shown a pen that Mars Inc had erected outside their large complex for us to stand in, a request that was politely refused. It turned out that the 'demo pen' was some distance from the Mars offices - obviously an oversight on their behalf!!!.

It was also noted that the sign at the entrance to the site had been removed: surely they can't be ashamed of their links to Oxford University? Or is it that they believe they can just bury their collective heads in the sand and we will go away? Whatever the reasons Mars Inc have for trying to hide, the simple fact remains, that 'George' was brutalised and killed by Oxford university and Mars Inc and all those other organisations funding research at Oxford have a responsibility to speak out against such brutality.

Activists spread themselves along the front of the Mars site and lined the roadside with banners and placards. A megaphone was used to make sure that everyone at this large site knew about 'George' and all the other animals that have suffered and died at Oxford university. At this point two men appeared just inside the perimeter fence and began to cut the grasss with loud machines. This must rank as one of the most pathetic attempts to silence a protest ever and did nothing more than double our resolve to be heard.

A polite request was made by a representative of SPEAK to talk to someone from Mars about animal research at Oxford this request was declined with Mars saying they would issue a statement to the press. It would seem that once again the policy of denial and silence is order of the day with those that help fund the university. This attitude will only serve to strengthen our determination and make sure that our voices will be heard on behalf of 'George' and all those animals who deserve so much better.

STOP THE OXFORD ANIMAL LAB

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