To: Multiple recipients of list (tmed-fac@lenti.med.umn.edu)
Subject: ANIMAL RIGHTS ACTIVITY
Date: Fri., 11 Oct 1996

TO: Academic Health Center Deans
Academic Health Center Faculty
Academic Health Center Directors
Academic Health Center Department Heads
University of Minnesota Chancellors

FROM: Richard W. Bianco, Institutional Official for the Animal Care and Use Program

University of Minnesota researchers are experiencing an increase in harassment from animal rights activists. These incidents include distribution of inflammatory flyers, threatening phone calls, and picketing of private residences.

This institution supports the ethical conduct of research involving animals. The University of Minnesota will continue to do everything possible to ensure the protection of our personnel and our programs.

Incidents of harassment or any suspicious activity surrounding animal research, teaching or service should be reported immediately to University of Minnesota Police at (612) 624-3550. Any incident occurring at a private residence should be reported to the local law enforcement authority and relayed to University Police.

Any concerns or questions may be directed to Richard Bianco at (612) 625-5914 (bianc001@maroon.tc.umn.edu), or Moira Keane, (miora@ortta.umn.edu), Director of Research Subject's Protection Programs at (612) 626-5654.

We are asking your assistance in increasing general awareness of these matters. Please communicate these current incidents and the reporting plans to laboratory and support personnel in your area.

President Nils Hasselmo
Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC)

E-mail Update: Security Measures Taken

Since my last memorandum describing increased animal rights activity, additional incidents have occurred, again directed at a specific faculty member.

On the evening of October 31, 1996 several members of the Student Organization for Animal Rights (SOAR) visited a faculty member's home located in a suburban community. Accompanying this group was an individual wearing a black face mask who identified himself as a member of the Animal Liberation Front (A.L.F.). Several serious threats were directed at this faculty member and family, which included a threat to burn down their home.

The University has taken the following steps to address this immediate threat:

A temporary restraining order was granted through the local community court. This court order was directed at the Student Organization for Animal Rights (SOAR) and the Animal Liberation Front (A.L.F.). Several individuals were also specifically named. A hearing will be held on November 14 to determine the status of a permanent restraining order.

The University has provided private security service at the home of the faculty member.

Local law enforcement officials are providing increased surveillance of the area.

Additional security cameras have been installed in University laboratories, and at the home of the targeted faculty member.
We take seriously these threats against faculty and the animal care program. The University will take all legal measures to ensure the safety of our people and animals.

Incidents of harassment or any suspicious activity surrounding animal research, teaching or service should be reported immediately to University of Minnesota Police at 624-3550. Any incident occurring at a private residence should be reported to the local law enforcement authority and relayed to University police.

We are asking again your assistance in increasing general awareness of these matters. Please communicate these current incidents and the reporting plans to laboratory and support personnel in your area.