Animal activism in the time of a pandemic.

[Michael Oberdorfer]

Speaking of Research  reports that the animal activist group PETA led a demonstration through the neighborhood where NIH Director, Francis Collins resides.  The purpose of their action was to protest against the use of animals in the development of a vaccine for the COVID-19 pandemic. They also drove through the neighborhood of a NIMH researcher working with animal models aimed at understanding complex brain functions.

In both cases the PETA demonstrators blared car horns, screamed at residents, confronted police while not wearing protective gear or taking other precautions suggested during the pandemic, potentially exposing neighborhood residents and bystanders.  Ingrid Newkirk, founder and leader of PETA led the charge.

Perhaps they are aware of some other approach in vaccine development for a viral pandemic which has taken more than 58,000 lives in the U.S. and 217,000 lives worldwide. 

 

 

Edited April 29, 2020 by Michael Oberdorfer