NIO Editorial Note: It is not animal rights
activists that vivisectors fear, it is exposure. To illustrate this
indisputable fact, the Star Tribune published the following report in
response to a post on NIO last week,
Pro-Vivisection Activism: Promoting Violence Against Animals:
Richard W. Bianco
University of Minnesota
Department of Surgery Experimental Surgical Services
420 Delaware Street SE Mayo
Mail Code 220
Minneapolis, MN 55455
Phone: 612-625-5914
Fax: 612-626-6949
Email: bianc001@umn.edu
by Jim Spencer (The Star Tribune: Group targets U animal scientist)
The school raised security around one of its researchers after an animal activist group singled him out on its website.
University of Minnesota police have increased patrols near the home
of a Medical School animal researcher after a posting on an animal
activist website displayed his name and photograph and noted that “… we
should not be surprised when the unconscionable violence inflicted upon
animals is justifiably visited upon their tormentors.”
The Internet posting went up late last week on the website
Negotiation Is Over
in reaction to a Star Tribune story about a multimillion-dollar
national campaign by biomedical researchers, including U Prof. Dick
Bianco, to increase lagging support for medical and scientific tests
using animals.
“The university police are patrolling around my house now,” said
Bianco, an associate professor of surgery and director of experimental
surgery. “The FBI is involved to assess the threat.”
FBI spokesman E.K. Wilson said: “I can’t confirm or deny an
investigation. But we have talked to Professor Bianco and received his
information. We are reviewing and assessing it and coordinating with the
University of Minnesota Police Department.”
Greg Hestness, the U’s chief of police, said the school has invested
in security measures for staff and facilities “since prior attacks” at
the university seven years ago.
Animal activist Camille Marino wrote the article and published Bianco’s photo and contact information on
Negotiation Is Over. “These abusers need to understand that their unethical behaviors entail tangible consequences,” she wrote.
Marino said Monday that the FBI has not contacted her.
Marino said she had “no expectation” of what people reading the
website should do to Bianco or Frankie Trull, who directs the Research
Saves campaign for the Foundation for Biomedical Research. On the
website, Marino wrote that “my activism is wholly above-ground and,
therefore, I would never encourage any activity that is illegal or
otherwise questionable.”
In an interview, she said: “I believe there is a moral obligation to
prevent violence against innocent beings, whether they are animals or
humans. If violence will prevent that, it would be justified.”
Concern over such statements arises from recent violent attacks on
researchers by extreme animal activists. Scientists in California have
had cars bombed, property set afire and family members harassed.
Bianco called the language of
Marino’s essay “right on the edge.” “It borders on inciting people to violence,” he said.
Bianco, who plays an active part in the animal research campaign and
invites high school students to his lab to see how he conducts research,
has received anonymous death threats in the past. His office and lab
include panic switches that set off an alarm in the U’s police
headquarters.
Bianco said he will be careful in the coming weeks. “This is as bad
as I’ve heard it,” he said of the website posting. “It doesn’t hurt to
be safe.”
Follow the campaigns against student vivisectors (WOS) & animal experimentation at the University of Florida & HERE.
Disclaimer:
The information on this site is for educational and entertainment
purposes only. There is no intent, express or implied, to promote
illegal activities. We assume no liability for the potential actions of
any third party. All data compiled here has been gathered from, and is
available through, independent public sources.
Last modified on November 26, 2011
14533 Valley Vista Boulevard
