Speaking up for animal testing
The week's news at a glance.
London
Britain, the birthplace of the animal-rights movement, has now spawned a pro-animal-testing movement—with a 16-year-old boy leading the charge. Laurie Pycroft, who hopes to be a neurosurgeon someday, formed the group Pro-Test last month to counter activists who have been aggressively opposing construction of a new medical research facility at Oxford. Animal-rights activists have threatened construction officials and called all Oxford students “potential targets.” Pycroft, arguing that testing new drugs on animals can save human lives, posted a call for fellow pro-testers on his blog, and soon gathered 800 people for a rally at the building site. Pycroft said he has received several death threats, but has no plans to quit. “It’s time to speak out in support of scientific research,” he said.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
Taking aim at Venezuela’s autocrat
Feature The Trump administration is ramping up military pressure on Nicolás Maduro. Is he a threat to the U.S.?
-
Comey indictment: Is the justice system broken?
Feature U.S. attorney Lindsey Halligan has indicted former FBI Director James Comey on charges of lying and obstructing Congress
-
Government shuts down amid partisan deadlock
Feature As Democrats and Republicans clash over health care and spending, the shutdown leaves 750,000 federal workers in limbo