Group targets U animal scientist

The school raised security for one of its researchers after an animal rights activist group singled him out on its website.

By JIM SPENCER, Star Tribune

Last update: November 9, 2009 - 9:18 PM

University of Minnesota police have increased patrols near the home of a Medical School animal researcher after a posting on an animal rights activist website displayed his name and photograph and noted that "... we should not be surprised when the unconscionable violence inflicted upon animals is justifiably visited upon their tormentors."

The Internet posting went up late last week on the website NegotiationIsOver.com in reaction to a Star Tribune story about a multimillion-dollar national campaign by biomedical researchers, including U Prof. Dick Bianco, to increase lagging support for medical and scientific tests using animals.

"The university police are patrolling around my house now," said Bianco, an associate professor of surgery and director of experimental surgery. "The FBI is involved to assess the threat."

FBI spokesman E.K. Wilson said: "I can't confirm or deny an investigation. But we have talked to Professor Bianco and received his information. We are reviewing and assessing it and coordinating with the University of Minnesota Police Department."

Greg Hestness, the U's chief of police, said the school has invested in security measures for staff and facilities "since prior attacks'' at the university seven years ago.

Animal rights activist Camille Marino wrote the article and published Bianco's photo and contact information on NegotiationIsOver.com. "These abusers need to understand that their unethical behaviors entail tangible consequences," she wrote.

Marino said Monday that the FBI has not contacted her.

Marino said she had "no expectation" of what people reading the website should do to Bianco or Frankie Trull, who directs the Research Saves campaign for the Foundation for Biomedical Research. On the website, Marino wrote that "my activism is wholly above-ground and, therefore, I would never encourage any activity that is illegal or otherwise questionable."

In an interview, she said: "I believe there is a moral obligation to prevent violence against innocent beings, whether they are animals or humans. If violence will prevent that, it would be justified."

Concern over such statements arises from recent violent attacks on researchers by extreme animal activists. Scientists in California have had cars bombed, property set afire and family members harassed.

Bianco called the language of Marino's essay "right on the edge." "It borders on inciting people to violence," he said.

Bianco, who plays an active part in the animal research campaign and invites high school students to his lab to see how he conducts research, has received anonymous death threats in the past. His office and lab include panic switches that set off an alarm in the U's police headquarters.

Bianco said he will be careful in the coming weeks. "This is as bad as I've heard it," he said of the website posting. "It doesn't hurt to be safe."

Jim Spencer • 612-673-4209