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Friday, 3rd September 2010

Row over animal rights film

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Published Date: 09 November 2006
Billed as "a film the government doesn't want you to see" controversial animal rights documentary Behind the Mask is coming to Leamington on Friday November 10th.
The film, which follows members of the Animal Liberation Front and explores the world of animal rights, is to be screened at Bath Place Community Venture tonight at an event organised by the Leamington Veggies and Vegans.

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But a councillor says it might be a criminal offence to show the film - if it promotes terrorism against firms.
Audiences in Leamington will be among the first in the UK to see the film which will be introduced by former ALF activist Keith Mann who features in the film.
Footage of laboratory raids are included in the documentary, which follows the actions of an activist who was recently released from an 11-year prison sentence. Flyers advertising the screening ask the question 'What inspires them to challenge the status quo, fight against all the odds and endure repression and imprisonment?'.
Screening organiser Aileen Vania said: "It shows raids on laboratories and one in particular that shows a lab where people's ex-pets and stray dogs were experimented on. There is not a huge amount of footage on raids but it gives an insight as to why people campaign.
"I watched the film recently and it had some heart-rending horrendous moments but it has got a new edge. It has a broader appeal that it will get across to the public - much more than other animal rights films.
"Most of them show blood and gore without giving the other side.
"People do have the idea that animal rights people are weirdos and alternatives but now we have doctors and lawyers who are against vivisection."
Ms Vania explained the film was attempting to show a different side of animal rights, claiming the image portrayed in the media is distorted since the remains of Gladys Hammond were taken from a graveyard in Staffordshire in October 2004. Mrs Hammond was related to the Hall family, targeted by animal rights protesters because they bred guinea pigs for medical research.
She said: "The film was quite possibly made as a result of the demonisation of the animal rights people that has happened recently. Since Gladys Hammond's grave anyone involved in animal rights has been branded a terrorist.
"Through the media the Animal Liberation Front is portrayed as only being interested in digging up old ladies and fire bombing - this is not the case. With any movement these people are in the minority."
Commenting on the screening, which will be taking place in a Warwickshire County Council-owned building, Coun Roger Copping (Lib Dem, Leamington Manor) said: "I am Warwick district health champion and I have worked for the National Health Service. I can see the need for animal experimentation to save people's lives, if there is no overt cruelty. I am in favour of animal experimentation.
"If this film is promoting terrorism against firms and breaking the law I am against that. If it is recruiting people to do anything illegal I think it would be a criminal offence to show it."
The free event will be held at Bath Place Community Venture, Bath Place, Leamington tonight (Friday) at 7pm.

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  • Last Updated: 09 November 2006 3:51 PM
  • Source: n/a
  • Location: Leamington Spa
 
 
 


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