NEWS RELEASE
Dec. 6, 2000
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Will Potter
Representative, Students Against Cruelty to Animals
(512) 453-3841, willis@mail.utexas.edu

STUDENT ACTIVIST HARASSED BY ANIMAL RESEARCHER

AUSTIN- A researcher from the University of Texas sent a harassing e-mail to a student activist Wednesday, alleging that animal rights activists pose a threat to his/her life.

The message was sent anonymously to Will Potter of Students Against Cruelty to Animals. The author signed the message “animal researcher,” and wrote:

“Sorry I cannot give my name, but too many organizations threaten to kill animal researchers like me.”

The author, who said he/she researches alcohol’s effects on fetal mice at the University, took a more threatening tone by writing, “I am sure you won't listen to reason, you wouldn't be an animal rights activist if you did.” 

The message attacked Potter, and SACA’s campaign to save the life of Stampy, a Beagle that will be killed for profit at the UT Animal Resources Center. Stampy is the last of three Beagles that an Austin company is paying UT researchers to kill for their organs.

SACA’s campaign has the support of Student Government, which overwhelmingly passed a resolution Tuesday calling on UT administrators to save Stampy, and encourage alternatives to animal research.

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