Lord Campbell of Croyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they are aware of attacks made by animal rights extremists on pet shops; and whether they are willing to give advice to shopkeepers who may be targets. [HL71]
§ Lord RookerThe National Public Order Intelligence Unit informs me that for many years pet shops have been targeted occasionally by animal rights activists, with acts of criminal damage being committed and pets being released into the wild. But they are not aware of any attacks in the past 18 months.
The Guidance on Personal Safety chapter in the Consultation Document on the Government's Strategy for dealing with Animal Rights Extremism, issued at the end of March, contained information on measures which could be taken by any organisation or individual targeted by animal rights extremists. A copy of the document is in the Library. A handbook of guidance for people at risk from animal rights extremism will be published shortly and advice on protection against crime is available from local police forces.