London

The British government has committed itself to legislation that will specifically target crimes committed by animal-rights activists. But early indications are that the law will fail to satisfy research lobby groups.

Calls for such legislation have intensified following a decision in January by the University of Cambridge to scrap ambitious plans for a primate research centre. The plan was abandoned in part because of the extra security costs of protecting the facility and its staff against attacks by activist groups, some of which have gained notoriety for their violent attacks on people and property associated with animal research (see Nature 428, 882; 200410.1038/428882b).

New laws designed to curb such protests are now being developed, science minister David Sainsbury told the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee on 12 May. Sainsbury revealed little about the legislation — but he did say that it will be tacked on to another bill.

But groups such as the Research Defence Society, a lobby group that defends animal testing, say that a bill is needed that is dedicated fully to animal research, comparable to the Football (Disorder) Act 2000, which was introduced to tackle violence at soccer matches. Lobbyists say this would ensure that tough penalties can be imposed for crimes committed in the name of animal rights. “The government has added bits to bills before and it hasn't solved the problem,” says Mark Matfield, director of the society.

Sainsbury did earn praise from Matfield and others for confirming that the legislation will address one particular cause for concern — protests outside the homes of staff of companies with links to animal research.

The Home Office, which will draft the new legislation, says it is too early to say what form these restrictions will take. A spokeswoman says that a previous set of laws designed to tackle animal-rights extremists was implemented in January, and needs to be monitored before further measures can be finalized.