Press release for immediate release

November 17, 2002

No Rest For Animal Abusers

Guests at the Sheraton Hotel had a taste of things to come this afternoon as animal rights and anti-GE activists made incredible amounts of noise until 8pm tonight. The protest ended when police threatened to arrest protesters, after receiving dozens of complaints about the noise. Protesters will be returning on Monday at 8am as a wake up call, and to attempt to disrupt the opening ceremonies of the conference.

"The animals in these vivisection laboratories get no rest, and we will not allow these animal torturing scum any rest either" says Michael Wise of Auckland Animal Action. "This is only the very beginning of the conference, and we will be present throughout, letting everyone know that animal torture will not be accepted. If this means returning at 3 am, then so be it."

Though it is often an ignored aspect of the anti-GE movement, the use of animals within the biotechnology industry is highly opposed by many groups. "Genetic modification is synonymous with vivisection. Whether we are talking about the genetic mutation of animals, or the testing of genetically engineered food products on animals, it is all vivisection, it is all torture, and we won’t be quiet until it all stops. In the words of the protesters this afternoon, it is all ‘One struggle, one fight, GE FREE and ANIMAL RIGHTS’."

Protests will be carried out throughout the conference, with various ratings given to each protest. The protest today is rated G, for general. Various other protests have been organised with ratings ranging from PG (parental guidance) to AO (arrestees only). For obvious reasons the rated AO protests will not be publicised before hand.

END

Protest times:

Monday 18th 8.00am Sheraton Hotel (Welcome, and conference opening) 12pm Sheraton Hotel (lunch)

Tuesday 19th 7.00pm Auckland Museum (Conference Dinner)

Wednesday 20th 12:00pm Sheraton Hotel (lunch) 5pm Sheraton Hotel (Closing)

Contacts:

Auckland Animal Action

Michael Wise – 021 1760860

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