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Animal rights group targets Glaxo shareholders

Staff and agencies
Monday May 8, 2006

Animal rights extremists have launched a campaign against GlaxoSmithKline over the pharmaceutical giant's continued use of medical research group Huntingdon Life Sciences (HLS), the company said today.

Glaxo said letters had been sent to shareholders around the country urging them to sell Glaxo shares to "target its financial vulnerability".

The letter came from a group claiming to have been set up "to hold Huntingdon Life Sciences accountable for its acts of animal cruelty".

HLS is based in Cambridgeshire and has long been targeted by extremists who want it shut down because it is involved in animal testing.

In a letter dated May 1, the extremists warned Glaxo shareholders: "Should you choose not to sell your shares within the next 14 days your details will be published and within weeks a website will be hosted with all remaining shareholders listed."

Glaxo today condemned the letter and said a police investigation was under way.

Glaxo said around 50 private shareholders had contacted the company today to complain about the letter, although it suspected many more had been targeted.

The company said: "The letter campaign is a typical tactic used by extremist groups and is intended to cause fear and intimidation.

"Glaxo has informed the police, who are treating the matter seriously and have started an investigation."

It added: "The recent campaign against HLS is of grave concern to Glaxo and the company deplores the long-term campaign of violence, intimidation and harassment which has been run against employees, their families and people associated with HLS."

Glaxo today urged shareholders who are sent the letter to report it to the police and not respond. The company said shareholders could protect their privacy by transferring shares for free into a "nominee" account through Glaxo or their broker.

The company said: "For ethical, regulatory and scientific reasons, research using animals remains a small, but vital part of the research and development of new medicines and vaccines.

"Animals are only used where no alternative is available and Glaxo scientists constantly strive to reduce the numbers used.

"The company aims to exceed industry standards in the care and welfare of the animals it uses."

Glaxo said it would continue to work with HLS "as long as they continue to meet their current high standards of animal welfare in line with Home Office requirements".

Glaxo is the latest company to be targeted by animal rights extremists.

Contractors working at Oxford University's animal research laboratory have been subject to a campaign of intimidation by such groups over the years.

In July 2004, the construction firm Montpellier pulled out after threatening letters were sent to its shareholders and the value of its shares dropped. Work on the lab was suspended due to ongoing threats of violence.

Other firms who offer financial support to the university have also been targeted.

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