Monkey Import Company Seeks Restraining Order Against Activists

Worldwide Primates, a Miami-based company that imports monkeys for lab experiments, is seeking a restraining order against members of an anti-vivisection group called Smash on the grounds that their tactics go beyond what is protected by free speech. According to the Miami Herald, the company claims that Smash members ‘intimidate, stalk and terrorize” the company and says that “Employees’ identities, photos, home addresses and even divorce records have been plastered online. Bullhorn-wielding protesters frequently rally outside private homes owned by employees, hiding in bushes, trespassing on properties and even pelting cars with rocks.” Smash’s leader, Gary Serignese, defends the groups actions on behalf of the monkeys, stating that “every step of the way is a brutal, traumatizing thing for these really sensitive animals.”

At the Miami Beach home of an officer of Worldwide Primates

Some people might think targeting vivisectors at their homes crosses the line, but I think it’s justified if it discourages some researchers from torturing animals in their experiments. At the very least, the home demos hold them accountable. In my opinion, the extreme emotional and physical pain endured by the animals is far greater than the inconvenience to the abusers of having protesters on the sidewalk. To see how you can help end animal testing, please visit Stop Animal Exploitation Now (SAEN).