GlaxoSmithKline defies animal rights extremists

GlaxoSmithKline has condemned a campaign of letters written by animal extremists sent to Glaxo shareholders demanding that they sell their shares.

Its authors protest over Glaxo’s research collaborations with Huntingdon Life Sciences (HLS), a research firm which tests vaccines and drugs on live animals. Reuters reports that the letter demanded that shareholders sell their stock or face the consequences of having their details published on a website. The letter also said that Glaxo shares would crash as HLS shares did after a similar tactic. Glaxo shares are currently trading at 15 pounds and 42 pence, which represents no change.

Glaxo told shareholders to report the letter to their local police station and to advise them that the matter is also being investigated by the police’s national domestic extremism team. It also advised shareholders not to reply to the letter, either in writing or by e-mail.

A statement read: “For ethical, regulatory and scientific reasons, research using animals remains a small but vital part of the research and development of new medicines and vaccines. Animals are only used where no alternative is available and our scientists constantly strive to reduce the numbers used.”

“We deplore long-term campaign of violence, intimidation and harassment against employees, their families and people associated with the company,” it added.

Glaxo said they would continue working with HLS for as long as they continue to offer high standards of animal care.

In 2005 the government announced plans that would make it possible to jail animal rights extremists if they targeted firms linked with animal research. Tessa Jowell, formerly trade and industry secretary, said that animal rights extremists put research into Aids, cancer and alzheimers directly at risk.

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