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Media Coverage University of Iowa Animal Rights Protest Friday, February 11, 2005, 1:22:24 AM (Iowa City – KCRG) -- An animal rights activist spoke out against the
University of Iowa, saying the school is only doing research to receive
grant money. This latest protest is over tests involving the brains of
live monkeys. Activists say the testing is a money-making scheme for the
university. The school says the research is important and could answer
many important questions. The protest at UI Thursday afternoon did not draw much public
attention, but it is the latest in a series of events following a campus
break-in by the Animal Liberation Front last fall. The ALF is considered a domestic terrorist group by the FBI.
Thursday's protestor is not a member of the ALF, but she is an animal
rights activist. This latest protest is over research involving monkeys. The research
involves complex sound signals made by monkeys, like making a specific
noise to indicate danger. Researches also want to know how and why the
left side of the brain processes these sounds. They hope the information
can help with human research as well. The protestor, Leana Stormont said, "If we want to help people, our
tax dollars would be better spent studying people." One of the
professors named in the allegation, Amy Poremba, said some of her tests
are done on people. But there are not many willing to participate. And while it might sound cruel to test animals instead, Poremba said
it is important to do the research and find answers down the line. The University calls the allegations derogatory. A statement said,
"We don't engage in unnecessary animal research; nor do we conduct
research for the purpose of harming animals or for monetary gain." But
instead of simply dismissing this latest protest, the school brought
security to the rally. Stormont said, "If we're not helping people or animals, we need to
stop now." Stormont said Professor Poremba is doing repeat research in
an attempt to bring grant money into the university. Poremba countered,
saying Stormont will not be happy until all animals are treated the same
as humans.
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