THE reason that SPEAK is still protesting outside this University laboratory is because the debate about vivisection in Oxford must be kept alive.

A Parkinson’s doctor recently stopped to chat and said that when they have meetings, alternatives are discussed because he is reminded every time he passes by on a Thursday that modern, scientific methods are preferable to using animals. We are the vivisectors’ conscience.

I have never been allowed inside an animal testing laboratory because this is a secret world which even the RSPCA is not allowed to enter. I would ask what they have to hide, and why did the number of defenceless animals abused inside the Oxford animal lab rise by 46,000 in 2012 to a massive 202,000?

As for wanton cruelty, how can Pamela St Clair think that animal cruelty carried out in a private home is not on a par with cutting open monkeys’ heads and inserting electrodes deep into their brains, a procedure which is carried out in Oxford, but is banned in some countries because of the severe/substantial suffering that is inflicted on these monkeys?

As for being there when the cruelty was going on, I have done successful undercover investigations involving animals, because I was informed about the cruelty involved and acted accordingly.

These cases came to trial and the perpetrators were prosecuted. By supporting vivisection, Pamela is condoning cruelty.

SHEILA ENGLISH Jacks Lane Turvey