International Conference on Animal Rights Extremism

On 24 and 25 November 2010, the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations organises an international conference on animal rights extremism in the Netherlands.

The conference brings together professionals from European countries involved in government, the police, justice, intelligence, science and industry. It’s goal is sharing knowledge and best or promising practices in tackling animal rights extremism. The conference also aims to stimulate international cooperation in combating this form of extremism.

 http://www.leurope.nl/

There are five field visits. Transportation to and from the sites is arranged by the Ministry.



1. The animal testing laboratory of the Erasmus University of Rotterdam. The laboratory is a typical older construction with no built-in security features. It has ample experience in dealing with threats, participating in the animal testing debate, and talking to the media. During the visit, the laboratory will focus on approaches to animal testing that can be regarded as promising practice.



2. The Biomedical Primate Research Centre in Rijswijk. This research centre for infectious diseases unfortunately has first-hand experience of the impact of extreme animal rights activities. Employees will share their own personal stories. The centre will also demonstrate the measures it has taken since it was targeted and the (local) partners with whom it is working to prevent extremist activities in the future.



3. Euronext in Amsterdam, which is a stock exchange organisation that has been targeted by animal rights extremists because it trades shares in Huntingdon Life Sciences. The head of security in the Netherlands, the European director of security, and the director of legal affairs and regulation will share their experiences with you.



4. The veterinary research institute of the University of Wageningen in Lelystad. This institute contributes to animal health in the Netherlands by studying and advising on animal diseases. It will describe how it deals with animal rights extremists activities and their effects. The visit will include a guided tour of the institute.



5. A mink farm that has been targeted by animal rights extremists. The owners will share their own personal stories and will demonstrate the measures they have taken since it was targeted.