UCLA seeks to protect researchers

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 21 (UPI) -- UCLA plans to seek court protection against animal rights groups and activists for scientists who conduct experiments using animals.

"We are hoping to send an important message that violence and harassment of our faculty is absolutely outrageous and totally inappropriate," said UCLA Chancellor Gene D. Block. "We really want to act before someone gets hurt."

UCLA researchers have been the target of several attacks in recent months, the Los Angeles Times said.

Two weeks ago, someone left an incendiary device at the home of Professor Edythe London, who uses vervet monkeys in nicotine-addiction research. The device charred her front door before it went out.

Animal activists previously claimed responsibility for breaking a window in London's house and using a garden hose to flood the ground floor.

In statements on their Web sites, activists said the attacks are warranted because scientists who conduct such experiments are torturing the animals. The activists said they oppose all use of animals in research.