Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) September 5, 2006 -- A coalition of California and national animal rights groups, including Stop Animal Experimentation Now (S.A.E.N.) and the UCLA student animal rights group (USETA), will conduct a news conference on Tuesday, September 5, 2006 at 10 a.m. at the UCLA Chancellor's Office. Discussion will focus on the condition of non-human primates at UCLA's laboratories, including confinement conditions, stress, and adequacy of anesthesia used in animal experimentation.

Animal rights activists have requested a meeting with Chancellor Norman Abrams in order to discuss research practices, access to University protocols and animal health records, and discussion of possible timetables for reductions in the number of animals used by UCLA for laboratory purposes. Spokesman Michael Budkie of S.A.E.N. says he is trying to get past negative perceptions. "It is high time that representatives of animal protection organizations have the opportunity to sit down with researchers and try to find common ground." Budkie added, "If the polarization of these issues continue, such as activities by the Animal Liberation Front (ALF), the outcome will likely be bad for everyone."

During the press conference, UCLA research protocols, primate health care records, and statements from independent medical experts, including the Physician Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) will be available for the media.

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