A WHEELCHAIR user was arrested after painting slogans and handcuffing herself to the gates of an animal research laboratory during a protest.

Louise Ryan, age 51, from Kidderminster, was one of two to be arrested after they staged a protest at Labcorp, near Huntingdon, on Saturday (February 24).

The action happened while a protest by anti-vivisection campaigners was taking place outside the laboratory.

Louise, and Allan Jackson, aged 56, from Swindon, were later released on bail, pending further police enquiries.

Louise said: "Despite being confined to a wheelchair, I was determined to take part in the action, to draw attention to the torture and killing of animals by Labcorp.

“The company profits from carrying out cruel tests, many of which involve the poisoning to death with noxious substances of many different types of animals, including beagles, rabbits, rats, mice and monkeys caught in the wild in Mauritius and flown to the UK.

“Animal experimentation is not only morally wrong, it is also regarded as scientifically invalid by an increasing number of doctors and scientists, and is an example of human supremacism, the arrogant and irrational belief that humans are somehow more important than other sentient animals.”

Labcorp has been contacted for comment. On its website, Labcorp said: "We treat the animals we work with in biomedical research humanely, with care, compassion and respect.

"We adhere to strict standards of ethical conduct in providing for their welfare".

They also added that animal research is "critical to developing new, safe and effective medicines, devices and products that protect and save the lives of people and animals".

Last September, Louise was placed on a curfew at Kidderminster Magistrates' Court for causing damage at the Sequani laboratory in Ledbury during a protest. 

A spokesperson for Cambridgeshire Constabulary said: "A 51-year-old woman from Kidderminster and a 56-year-old man from Northampton were arrested on Saturday afternoon outside Labcorp, near Alconbury, on suspicion of criminal damage, aggravated trespass and locking on.

"They have since been released on bail to appear at Huntingdon police station on 18 May".