Charity challenges ‘chilling’ law change restricting protest at animal testing sites

Animal Aid says reclassification of research facilities as key infrastructure could catch even most peaceful action A charity has filed a legal challenge over a “chilling” change in the law that restricts protest outside animal testing facilities in England and Wales by reclassifying them as “key national infrastructure”. Animal Aid says last month’s amendment to the Public Order Act could capture even the most peaceful, non‑disruptive advocacy. It claims the change is unlawful because it goes beyond parliament’s intention at the time the act was passed. The amendment created a new category of “life sciences infrastructure”, but the charity’s lawyers argue that it does not fall within the ordinary and natural meaning of infrastructure, nor within the existing statutory context, which is confined to nationally significant systems such as transport, energy and utilities. Iain Green, the director of Animal Aid, said: “Designating animal research facilities as ‘key national infrastructure’ raises profound concerns about the future of peaceful advocacy in the UK. It risks legitimate scrutiny at a time when openness and scientific accountability are more importa