Seven Japanese firms with branches in the United Kingdom succeeded in August in having a judge create an injunction against animal rights protesters similar to the injunction that Huntingdon Life Sciences was granted in June.

The companies asked for the injunction after protesters associated with Stop Huntingdon Animal Cruelty, the Animal Liberation Front and the Animal Rights Militia staged protests at the offices and homes of employees of the companies due to their connections with Huntingdon Life Sciences. According to a BBC report,

. . . harassment took the form of threatening letters and phone calls, sending letters to neighbors alleging directors are pedophiles or sex offenders, painting slogans, smashing windows and assault.

The injunctions were issued under authority of Great Britain\’s new anti-stalking law. Activists have challenged the stalking law itself, and that case will be taken up by British courts later this year.

Sources:

HLS boost after judge grants protest bans. Peterborough Now, August 29, 2003.

Stalker laws to block activists. The BBC, August 27, 2003.

Stalking Law Used To Protect Animal Rights\’ Targets. Stephen Howard, Press Association, August 27, 2003.

Animal rights group targets win safe zone. The Times (London), August 28, 2003.