You are here: Home News Dutch News Dutch minister to deal with animal rights activists
Enlarge font Decrease font Text size


20/02/2009Dutch minister to deal with animal rights activists

Pharmaceutical companies in the Netherlands are permanently threatened from violent animal rights groups, reveals latest investigation by a public broadcasting organisation.

THE NETHERLANDS – An investigation by the public broadcasting organisation NOS reveals that a significant proportion of the pharmaceutical industry in the Netherlands is permanently under threat from animal rights activists.

The investigation also shows financial companies who have business dealings with the industry are also targeted.

Over the last five years, Dierenbevrijdingsfront or the Animal Liberation Front has claimed responsibility for over 40 serious threats against the staff of pharmaceutical companies in the Netherlands. The incidents include arson and damage to cars and homes.

Some employees of pharmaceutical industry who have been threatened live in constant fear, according to newspaper reports.

Interior Minister Guusje ter Horst has promised to investigate how drug companies can be better protected against animal rights activists.

Her proposal to get animal rights organisations to sign an agreement of non-violence with the government has been rejected by the Christian Democrats.

The government advises companies under threat to contact the Ministry of Economic Affairs for advice on security.

Radio Netherlands / Expatica




2 reactions to this article

Lurrissey posted: 21-02-2009 | 5:07 AM

"Interior Minister Guusje ter Horst has promised to investigate how drug companies can be better protected against animal rights activists."
I'd have liked to read she had promised to investigate how animals can be better protected against drug companies, but that's just me...

Melissa posted: 21-02-2009 | 5:19 PM

I agree with you Lurrisesey! What about the fear the animals feel in their labs? What about the pain and suffering of these innocent victims?
These speciesists need to wake up and stop siding with the tormentors! They care more about the animal torturers' cars then they do about the innocent beings these people are hurting!

Discussion Forums

Netherlands Soapbox

Random Thought of the Day, by osita

Legal Problems in the Netherlands

Why does inburgering people insist to meet me?, by cmooi

Legal Problems in the Netherlands

Tax declarations for an ex-partner - how long to submit them?, by ouloveit1

Discuss Dutch Culture

Is it forbidden to apologize?, by mr.fook

Netherlands Soapbox

CRAPOLA TV., by mr.fook

participate in the forums

Inside Expatica
Setting up home in the Netherlands

Setting up home in the Netherlands

A guide to telephone, internet and television along with utility services water, electricity and gas in the Netherlands.

Dutch immigration and residency regulations

Dutch immigration and residency regulations

Lost in the Dutch immigration system? Look no further than this guide compiled for our Survival Guide 2009.

The Netherlands at a glance

The Netherlands at a glance

Some basic facts and figures about living and working in the Netherlands.

Giving birth in the Netherlands

Giving birth in the Netherlands

The challenges and benefits of the maternity system in the Netherlands and how it differs to other countries.