A Dutch project management firm withdrew from the development of a new science park in the southern Netherlands saying its managers were consistently intimidated by animal rights protesters. Weert-based Van der Looy Project Management Bureau was involved in Science Link, a life-science industrial park commissioned by the local and regional authorities. The park was to be built in Venray, in southern Netherlands.

In its statement, Van der Looy said animal rights organizations had shown an "unacceptable intimidating attitude'. At Christmas, animal rights protesters painted graffiti on the homes of several project managers, threatening to use more aggressive means if they didn't stop their involvement in Science Link. The Dutch Animal Liberation Front is believed to have been responsible.

Science Link, a us $ 80-million project, was to be a technological centre for the life sciences, providing employment to 400-600 people. Animal rights protesters claim Science Link would be used for animal tests. Van der Looy has said it will not reconsider its decision.