Patients Implore Stars Over Animal Rights

A group of doctors and terminally ill patients took on some Hollywood stars Friday, urging them to stop supporting an animal rights group they contend is hurting medical research.

“We’re asking celebrities to make it clear where they stand,” said Susan E. Paris, president of Americans for Medical Progress. “They cannot support People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and a cure for AIDS at the same time.”

Paris and her group say curtailment of animal testing in research will delay development of a cure for AIDS and other illnesses. contrast, in actions ranging from lab raids to angry street protests, the animal rights group contends animal testing is cruel and unnecessary.

“The PETA attacks, the terrorism, harassment and lies is destroying AIDS research projects and that has to stop,” said Peter Cashman, 47, a former radio personality who has tested positive for HIV.

Americans for Medical Progress includes physicians, pharmaceutical researchers and Dr. Joseph E. Murray, a Nobel laureate from Harvard Medical School.

A spokesman for the animal rights group defended its actions. “The fact that animal experimenters are panicking and feel they need to protest is a sign of our success,” said Dan Mathews, PETA’s campaign director.