THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, May 28, 1996 TAG: 9605280055
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY DIANE TENNANT, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: 129 lines
A peaceful resistance movement is growing in Hampton Roads.
Don't fight. Don't argue. But don't give in to the animal rights protesters.
``So far, we haven't had to deal with them,'' said Paul Whitehurst, regional director for the Virginia BASS Federation, a sport fishing group. ``But I know it's coming.''
In fact, it's already here. Vandals claiming to be with the underground Animal Liberation Front have attacked a Chesapeake meat packing plant three times in the past two weeks.
Street-corner protests, with activists wearing costumes and toting signs, probably will increase in July, when the most influential animal rights organization in the nation, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, opens its new headquarters in downtown Norfolk.
The ALF is an underground group of activists who conduct break-ins and raids. PETA is a separate organization that uses tactics like demonstrations, lobbying, billboards, and celebrity endorsement to promote animal rights.
In Hampton Roads, potential targets of both groups - from 4-H'ers to research scientists, from fishermen to furriers - are keeping low profiles, hoping that PETA will overlook them. But, at least privately, everyone is talking.
``It makes me a little bit nervous,'' said Dr. William B. Ershler, incoming director of the new geriatrics center at Eastern Virginia Medical School. ``I think their (PETA's) mission is an absolute good one. Researchers should never use animals in an unethical way. But I am of the persuasion that animal research has led to much good for people.''
Ershler will also move to Norfolk in July, bringing about 30 research monkeys with him from the University of Wisconsin. Eastern Virginia Medical School is aware of PETA's move, but has taken no extra action to prepare for it, said spokesman Sheila Edelheit.
``We haven't done anything differently from what we usually do,'' she said. ``I think everyone in the academic community is aware of their move here.''
PETA protesters in recent months have been at NASA Langley, at two Virginia Beach elementary schools and at local fishing spots. That activity is expected to increase when PETA becomes a corporate neighbor, and the main target may be fishermen. PETA plans a national anti-fishing campaign this summer, to begin June 8 in Washington.
PETA has said it will target large tournaments, skipping rocks in the water and maneuvering its own boats among fishing craft. ``But as time goes on, we will escalate the campaign by doing things which will actually save individual fish lives,'' Tracy Reiman, PETA's fish campaign coordinator, said in April.
The state of Virginia has already reacted, passing emergency legislation in April that makes it illegal to impede lawful fishing. Local fishermen's organizations are also preparing their members.
``As long as they legally protest, we fully support their right to do so,'' said Bob Pride of the Coastal Conservation Association.
But he said some fishermen are already upset.
``I have heard some things on the street from anglers that are very disturbing, that they're going to accidentally fall on their throttles and run over them if they (PETA) block their boats, that if they throw rocks they're going to throw sinkers back at them,'' he said. ``I really am concerned. We're trying to get the word out that if you are bothered by PETA, don't do anything.''
The association's newsletter carried an article recently that stressed nonviolence: ``It is very possible that they will sue you if you react with violent threats or actions. Remember, just saying you intend to do violence is assault under the law.''
Whitehurst said his Virginia BASS Federation has given similar advice. ``We have a lot of functions that we do during the year that involve families and children,'' Whitehurst said. ``Those are the ones that concern me a great deal.
``I've talked to most of the fishermen in this area and I tell them, `Don't argue with them, don't talk to them, just walk away. If they throw rocks in the area, go somewhere else.' ''
Local 4-H members have also been advised to stay calm. Tom Baker, a Virginia Beach extension agent, said the advice has been given for at least three years to youths involved in livestock projects.
``Nationwide, in recent years, there has been an awareness of disturbances that have been caused by them (PETA) or others at various stock shows around the country,'' Baker said. ``Part of reasonable prudence is to prepare young people for that. We explain to them that these people have a right to their ideas but they don't have a right to impose them on others, and 4-H exhibitors are not obligated to talk with protesters.''
4-H members are always concerned with the welfare of their animals, and keeping them healthy, Baker said.
But welfare isn't enough for animal rights organizations. They are opposed to the use of animals in any way, including for food. A well-cared-for steer, if destined to become steak, deserves better, in their eyes.
Lowenthal Furriers in Virginia Beach has been targeted by protesters and vandals several times, but Louis Silverman of Silverman Furs in Newport News said he expects PETA to choose larger targets than a single business in their new home area. ``Maybe it's wishful thinking, but I don't think anything is going to happen,'' Silverman said.
Many marina owners asked not to be named, hoping to avoid PETA's notice. However, they already have met with police and the Virginia Beach city attorney's office to learn how to handle protesters.
The Virginia Zoo, in Norfolk, has said in the past that it believes it will not be a target because its animals are well-treated.
Dr. Ershler, of EVMS, also said his monkeys are treated well. His studies, which focus on promoting longevity in humans, do not require injuring the monkeys, he said. ``We're not doing any procedure that would make the animal uncomfortable in any way.''
But, he added, ``I think it's good to have debate. It's good for investigators to really justify why they're using animals for research, why they can't do the same research in test tubes.'' ILLUSTRATION: ABOUT PETA AND THE ALF
GRAPHIC
Who are they?
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is an international
animal rights organization that believes animals ``are not ours to
eat, wear or experiment on.'' It often uses flamboyant
demonstrations to gain national media coverage. PETA, a nonprofit
organization, uses tactics like lobbying, litigation and grassroots
organizing.
The Animal Liberation Front is a loose network of radical
activists. Its members gained fame in the early 1980s for entering
research laboratories and freeing animals. Recent actions have
focused on property damage and releasing fur farm animals, such as
mink.
Are they connected?
PETA says it has no direct connection to ALF but will serve as a
publicist when ALF anonymously provides evidence of its raids. PETA
says it has not been asked to serve as ALF's publicist for several
years. PETA maintains a defense fund that helps pay legal fees of
activists.
KEYWORDS: PETA ANIMAL RIGHTS by CNB