Written question asked by Jacqui Lait (Conservative) on Wednesday, 28 February 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 2 March 2007. It was answered by Lord Coaker (Labour) on Wednesday, 7 March 2007 on behalf of the Home Office.

Animal Welfare: Protest

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action has been taken following the recent incidents of attacks on peoples' homes by animal terrorists.

Answer: The Government condemns campaigns of intimidation, harassment and violence against individuals and law-abiding businesses and has in place a cross-departmental strategy to put an end to the animal rights extremist threat and protect those targeted by it.We have introduced tough new legislation, appointed a dedicated senior officer as national co-ordinator for domestic extremism and provided additional resources for the police to tackle the problem nationally. These steps have led to a reduction in unlawful activity and a number of successful prosecutions which have seen leading extremists receive lengthy custodial sentences.The Government remains committed to eradicating the threat of animal rights extremism.

Secondary information