Police clear animal rights protestors from lab site

Two women had to be dug out of the ground after entombing their feet in concrete at the site. Three other protestors trying to hide on the roof of a nearby structure, as well as a young man attempted to climbing 10 metres up an oak tree, were also taken into custody.

Since the beginning of last month, the protestors have occupied the site in protest to the construction of the lab by the pharmaceutical company. A police spokesman said Wednesday they were removed because their demonstration was “no longer a peaceful assembly.”

Police said the animal rights activists were aggressively trying to claim the territory for themselves by digging pits, building barricades and stone deposits on the grounds. They are there as part of a citizens initiative to keep labs that conduct tests on animals out of populated areas.

Other sites in the area are also being targeted by animal rights groups. On July 27, Hannover mayor Stefan Weil’s house was attacked with paint. Last week, a building of a veterinarian school was painted as well. Police are still investigating any possible connection to the Boehringer Ingelheim protest.