On April 28, an Italian demonstration against vivisection turned into a historic event when dozens of animal activists entered the Green Hill breeding facility to rescue 30 dogs that were slated for use in experiments.

During the rescue, 12 activists were arrested, and authorities re-captured several of the rescued dogs. The arrested individuals are being held at a prison in Brescia, and will likely be charged with trespassing, robbery and resisting authority.

Former Tourism Minister Michela Brambilla traveled to the prison to visit those arrested for their involvement in the raid. The former minister noted that the demonstrators’ actions are representative of “the high level of exasperation felt by citizens, who will no longer tolerate such shameful activity in our country. The thousands of people who for months have staged every form of civil protest against Green Hill are representing the feelings of millions of Italians.”

Want to get involved? Animal Equality has started a petition demanding the immediate release of these activists and the dogs remaining at the Green Hill facility.

Image Credit: bp.blogspot.com