UCLA researchers who have been targeted by anti–animal research extremists were joined Thursday, April 8, by roughly 200 supporters, from UCLA colleagues and students to USC scientists and even a few family dogs.

The “Stand up for Science” rally and march on UCLA’s campus was organized by Pro-Test for Science, a grassroots organization of faculty, staff and students modeled after a group formed by Oxford University students in England.

Organizers staged the rally with the goal defending the right of researchers to pursue their work free from harassment by extremists and to providing the public with a better understanding of animal research.

Carrying neon poster-board signs bearing slogans like “Animal research = medical advances” and “Science, not violence,” demonstrators rallied at the southern edge of UCLA before marching to the center of campus for speeches. Some passing students found themselves greeted by marching friends who cajoled them to follow along.

“Join the fight!” one demonstrator called to a friend, who rushed to join the pack.

Tom Holder, a co-founder of Pro-Test and founder of the group’s British predecessor, jogged from head to tail of the procession, leading the crowd in chants of “No more threats, no more fear! Animal research wanted here!”

The crowd gathered in Wilson Plaza to hear from Holder and Pro-Test co-founder J. David Jentsch, a UCLA professor of psychology and psychiatry, who helped form the group last year after extremists came to his home and firebombed his car in the middle of the night.

“We’re trying to defend and advocate for science itself,” Jentsch said. “A small but vocal and violent minority of people have decided that they want to seek an end to animal research, including its contributions to medical research. If we continue what we’re doing here today, people will understand what’s at risk, and that effort will fail.”

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One anti–animal research extremist has pleaded guilty and another pleaded no contest to felony criminal charges in connection with an ongoing campaign of harassment of UCLA researchers who utilize laboratory animals in their work.

The Los Angeles County district attorney’s office announced March 19 that Linda Faith Greene, 62, and Kevin Richard Olliff, 22, had accepted negotiated settlements related to stalking and other felony charges.

Olliff pleaded no contest and faces a three-year state prison sentence under a negotiated settlement, prosecutors said. Greene pleaded guilty and faces five years of supervised probation and, under a negotiated settlement, must stay away from the UCLA campus and the victims’ homes. Formal sentencing for Greene is scheduled for April 9. Olliff is due to be sentencned May 12.

“Criminal acts to advance a cause or a belief have no place in a civilized society,” UCLA Chancellor Gene Block said. “While we respect the rights of those who take a different view of animal research, we are committed to protecting our researchers from harassment and providing an environment where they can continue their work toward cures and a greater understanding of the human body.”

Block praised UCLA police for gathering extensive evidence, in cooperation with other law enforcement agencies. He also applauded the district attorney’s office for recognizing the seriousness of crimes committed against campus researchers.

A Los Angeles County grand jury indicted Greene and Olliff on March 27, 2009, and both were arraigned the following month. The victims were listed as researchers at UCLA and employees of POM Wonderful Juice Co.