Heightened Animal Rights Activity Possible

World Laboratory Animal Liberation Week (WLALW) and World Week for Animals in Laboratories (WWAIL) will be observed between April 16 and April 30, 2016.  During this time each year, various so-called “animal rights” groups organize protests and other activities at research institutions, airports, and other locations.

The California Biomedical Research Association (CBRA) monitors the activities of animal-rights groups and keeps us informed about their planned activities; so far, there is no information available regarding planned activities in our general vicinity, but all members of our research community are encouraged to exercise extra vigilance during this time:

  • Review the security guidelines on the IACUC website (you’ll find links to the attached “No Trespass” signage and a Lab Security Poster there).
  • Report any suspicious activities to UCI Police or UCIMC Security at the numbers listed below.  Don’t hesitate to contact campus police – no concern is too small or insignificant.
  • If you are contacted by anti-research activists, avoid confrontation; instead, refer them to UCI’s Office of Strategic Communications.

 The key to ensuring personal safety and laboratory security in the event of anti-research extremist activity is to be prepared for any scenario. Campus Security, University Communications and ULAR management are on alert and ready to respond in the event of anti-animal research activity.   Contact information is listed below:

 For security and personal safety concerns:

UCI Campus Police — 911 (emergencies) or (949) 824-5223
UCI Medical Center Security — (714) 456-5222

For assistance with responding to questions about your research:

Tom Vasich
Director of Research Communications
Strategic Communications
E-mail: tmvasich@uci.edu
Phone: (949) 824-6455

For animal facility issues:

Dr. Claire Lindsell,
Interim Director, University Laboratory Animal Resources (ULAR)
E-mail: claire.lindsell@uci.edu
Phone: (949) 824-0569

General ULAR phone number: (949) 824-7788

Please visit the IACUC website for more information about UCI’s animal care program

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