Anti-vivisection rally
By Jennifer Duncan
ADELAIDE — A rally here on May 15 marked Australian week for animals in laboratories.
The Anti-vivisection Union, the South Australian Federation of Animal Societies and members of the Green Party attended.
An earlier rally on April 24 marked World Day for Animals in Laboratories. The protests were aimed at highlighting in particular the use of animals in genetic manipulation experiments.
Special attention was given to genetic engineering experiments on animals taking place in Adelaide by a company called Bresatec. Bresatec, which is closely linked to Adelaide University, is currently attempting to engineer a "super pig". Pigs are also being engineered so that their organs can be transplanted into humans without being rejected. So far these experiments have proved less than fruitful.
Anti-vivisection is angry at the lack of information to the community on genetic engineering and its potential ramifications. Protesters also objected to the fact that there is currently next to no regulation of animal experiments.