From Outrage to Action: We will not be silenced

On 12 February 2026, a significant and deeply concerning change to the Public Order Act comes into force. The Government’s new regulation formally classifies life sciences locations including ASPA licensed animal research facilities as key national infrastructure. This means that actions interpreted as interference with these sites now carry new criminal risks.  

This is, undeniably, a step backwards for protest rights, transparency, and progress for the millions of animals used in laboratories every year. 

And yes, we are outraged.
But we won’t let it bring us down.
We won’t be silenced. 

And we most certainly won’t stop fighting for animals in laboratories. 

Pushing forward for progress 

The decision to expand the Public Order Act in this way is not just a legal shift. It is a political message that attempts to shield harmful practices from public scrutiny, by placing them behind the umbrella of critical infrastructure. 

It’s also a stark signal of the growing pressure on civil liberties. The wording is so broad that even the most peaceful, non‑disruptive advocacy could now be treated more harshly — a concern raised widely across the movement. And because this arrives just after the Government’s own roadmap to phase out animal experiments, it’s hard not to view it as a calculated decision at a critical moment.

We will not pretend this is trivial – or that this doesn’t affect us. And we will not pretend this won’t require smart, strategic adaptation. 

But we will adapt, continue and we will grow stronger.

We double down, not back down 

Animal Aid has a near 50-year history of exposing cruelty, challenging the status quo, and empowering the public to demand a better world for animals. 

This law does not change our mission. It does not change our values. And it will not change our determination. 

Here is what we are doing next:

• Pursuing legal avenues with urgency 

We are actively exploring every available legal route to challenge both the process of and the implications of this amendment and defend peaceful advocacy for animals.

• Reviewing all communications involving animal experiments

This is a precautionary step to ensure that all public facing materials remain safe, lawful and effective under the new law. Our aim is to continue supporting supporters’ voices and if possible, take this opportunity to give them even more impact. 

• Strengthening supporter guidance to keep voices powerful and protected

We are updating our call to actions, email templates, and engagement guidance so supporters can continue to speak up confidently, credibly and safely for animals in laboratories.

• Continuing to expose and challenge animal suffering

We will keep publishing investigations, evidence and scientifically grounded arguments for non-animal research without compromise.

• Standing proudly in our history and ready for the next 50 years

For almost half a century, Animal Aid has faced attempts to silence or sideline the movement for animals. Every time, we have emerged stronger. This time will be no different. 

Stay with us. Speak with us. Stand with us. 

This moment is serious, but animals in laboratories need us now more than ever. And together, we will keep their suffering in the public eye, where it belongs. 

This is not the time to step back. This is the time to step forward. 

With determination, compassion and the unshakeable belief that animals deserve better and that change is both possible and inevitable. 

Our movement is strong and so is our fight for animals.