Scientists argue that research using animals is vital for the treatment and cure of human diseases like cancers. But experimenting on dogs and monkeys is controversial and critics say alternative methods should be used.
The Scottish Government is selling surveillance planes to save money and says drones are used to prevent illegal fishing. But critics argue that losing experienced pilots could mean criminality goes unchecked.
Ithaca Energy announced a major dividend on the eve of UK sanctions against companies operating in illegal Israeli settlements. A few weeks later it paid out £100m to a shareholder the UN says has ‘direct links’ to the occupied territories.
A fish farm company has started legal action to stop an anti-salmon campaigner visiting its sites covertly.
Scottish Sea Farms (SSF) has applied to Oban Sheriff Court for a court order against Don Staniford, a high profile activist who is director of Scamon Scotland.
SSF is seeking an interim order that would prohibit Staniford and his associates from coming within 15 meters of its property, flying drones over the sites, and using underwater drones in the site areas.
The salmon company argues that Staniford’s incursions on to fish farms are unlawful, and that his conduct poses a risk to the safety and wellbeing of the company’s staff.
Staniford has agreed to temporarily stay away from Scottish Sea Farms’ facilities, it has been reported.
In the writ asking for an interdict, SSF and its lawyers write: “The defender (Staniford) will not be interdicted from lawfully acting as an environmental activist. The terms of the interdict sought do not interfere with the responsible exercise of his right to peacefully and lawfully protest.”
Scotland’s biggest salmon farmer, Mowi, was recently granted an interdict preventing Staniford from encroaching within 15 metres of its farms and buildings, and SSF is seeking a similar ban.
Staniford – a high profile activist who covertly enters fish farms to film – regularly posts photos and videos of diseased and dying fish in fish farm pens online.
But he was accused by Mowi of distorting the truth, by editing together images in a way that makes the pens look worse than they are.
Staniford will appeal against Mowi’s ban.
Photo credit iStock and Richard Johnson
Scientists argue that research using animals is vital for the treatment and cure of human diseases like cancers. But experimenting on dogs and monkeys is controversial and critics say alternative methods should be used.
Ithaca Energy announced a major dividend on the eve of UK sanctions against companies operating in illegal Israeli settlements. A few weeks later it paid out £100m to a shareholder the UN says has ‘direct links’ to the occupied territories.
Board members at the North Sea oil regulator hold Shell and BP shares. Critics say the investments raise questions about the body's independence.
A total of 36 boats have been fined £140,000 in the last 10 months for entering Scotland's marine protected areas. But campaigners claim the fines are too small and may not be a sufficient deterrent.
