Each year, the second half of April is associated with heightened activity by so-called “animal rights” groups protesting the use of animal models in research. World Week for Animals in Laboratories (also known as World Laboratory Animal Liberation Week) occurs this year from April 19- 27, though some protests are planned as early as Saturday, April 12.
The California Biomedical Research Association (CBRA) monitors the activities of animal-rights groups and keeps us informed about their planned activities; so far, formal protests are planned at the Salk Institute in San Diego on April 12 and UCLA on April 25th.
There is no information currently available regarding planned activities aimed directly at UCI, but all members of our research community are encouraged to exercise extra vigilance during this time:
· Keep laboratory doors locked when no one is around. NEVER prop open access doors to campus vivaria.
· Researchers should work in pairs or groups – use the “buddy system” whenever possible.
· Report any suspicious activities to UCI Police or UCIMC Security at the numbers listed below.
· Refer all questions about UCI research to University Communications.
Additional guidance regarding laboratory security has been provided by the Office of Research at ULAR Policies and Guidelines – click on “Animal Facility Security.”
To download “No Trespass” signs and Security Poster, click HERE.
For security and personal safety concerns:
UCI Campus Police — 911 from campus phones, (949) 824-5223 from cell phones
UCI Medical Center Security — (714) 456-5222
For assistance with responding to questions about your research:
Tom Vasich
Assistant Director, Health Sciences Communications
University Communications
E-mail: tmvasich@uci.edu
Phone: (949) 824-6455