UCLA animal researchers, supporters, hold “pro-test” on campus

Some 400 UCLA scientists and pro-research backers held a march and demonstration at the campus yesterday, voicing their support for animal research, and denouncing the sometimes violent threats their opponents pose against the researchers that use animals in their work. J. David Jentsch, a neurobiologist at UCLA organized the event – his car was set on fire last month outside his home and law enforcement suspects an animal rights group was involved. Jentcsh uses monkeys in his research on drug abuse and schizophrenia, and the monkeys are sometimes killed in the process. Animal rights advocates also attended the rally to denounce such practices. Meanwhile, Linda Green and Kevin Olliff pleaded not guilty yesterday to charges of conspiracy, stalking and other crimes against UCLA researchers. They’ve been indicted by a Los Angeles grand jury, and each is being held on nearly half-a-million-dollars bail.