Oxford's animal rights injunction extended

Oxford University has been granted an extension of its existing injunction against animal rights activists.

The High Court ruling means that an exclusion zone around the site of a biomedical research centre being built in the city will be enlarged. However, it will not be increased by as much as the university had hoped.

The exclusion zone has now been extended further along South Parks Road to St Cross Road and further down Mansfield Road.

The injunction has also been extended to protect contractors supplying goods and services to the university, from harassment from some protesters. It had previously covered staff, students and contractors working at the research centre.

Demonstrators will also be prevented from protesting within 100 yards of the residence of any protected person, anywhere in the country, as well as attempting to identify any vehicle entering or leaving the exclusion zone.

The original injunction had allowed a demonstration to take place every Thursday, but it had banned all protests within a designated exclusion zone.

On Friday at the High Court, Mr Justice Holland ruled that the exclusion zone should be "moderately" increased in size and also banned the use of megaphones during the protests.

He also said that the injunction should be brought back periodically to High Court for review, or earlier, in light of any new evidence.

Construction of the £20 million research centre in South Parks Road was halted in July 2004 following a campaign by animal rights activists. Work resumed on the site last November, although Oxford University said that there had been an increase in threats and criminal damage since work resumed.

Dr Julie Maxton, Registrar of the University of Oxford, said: "Today's judgement represents a significant advance for the cause of legitimate and essential scientific research at Oxford University. We all have the right to work and study in a safe and peaceful environment, free from threat, intimidation and disruption. The right is what the court has acknowledged today.

"This ruling extends legal protection from such unlawful behaviour to a wider range of people. It also offers a welcome measure of relief to many members of the university who have been subjected to unjustifiable harassment and distress.

Dr Maxton added: "As a university deeply committed to freedom of speech, we fully recognise the right of such individuals and groups to express their views within the framework of the law. The judgement protects that right, while making it clear that it cannot be used as a cloak for unlawful activity and behaviour."

However, the National Anti-Vivisection Society said that people's right to protest was being diminished.

(KMcA)