ANIMAL rights activists scaled the roof of a building outside Royal Bournemouth Hospital. 

Protesters occupied the entrance of waste management firm Stericycle at RBH due to its links with MCR Acres in Cambridge. 

The activists from Dorset Against Animal Testing and Dorset Animal Action, along with Peta, claim Stericycle collect waste from MBR Acres, who breed dogs. 

One campaigner scaled a roof to unfurl a banner reading ‘It’s not science, it’s violence’. Others chalked slogans on the road and used a megaphone and placards to preach their message.  

Maria Stewart, from Dorset Against Animal Testing, said: "In 2024, there is no justification for using dogs, or other animals, in research.  

“Hundreds of non-animal models are available, and it is beyond time we swapped to those. We ask the public what they would do if this were their dog.  

“And overwhelmingly, the public is on our side. Stericycle’s employees told us today they support us, and we hope their head office decides to join the growing boycott." 

Dorset Police were also called to the protest, involving around eight people, to “liaise with those present, facilitate a peaceful protest and prevent any breach of the peace”. 

A spokesman added: “It was reported that the group left the scene at around 12.30pm (August 1), no arrests were made and no offences were reported.”