Tough new measures to crack down on animal rights extremists, following attacks on a Staffordshire farm, have been broadly welcomed by MPs. Fanatics will face five years in prison for harassment or violent protests, while staff working in animal research or breeding, including couriers and cleaners, will be protected from intimidation. Police will be given powers to arrest anyone protesting outside homes and powers will also be introduced to ban protesters from the vicinity of someoneÕs house for three months. The measures follow a series of attacks on Newchurch guinea pig farm at Darley Oaks, Staffordshire, where police have recorded more than 450 incidents. Activists have relentlessly targeted the farm, which is run by Chris Hall and his family, since 1999. The family say they have suffered hate mail, malicious phone calls, hoax bombs, a paedophile campaign and arson attacks. Conservative MP Michael Fabricant, whose Lichfield constituency includes Darley Oaks and Yoxall, welcomed the proposals. He said: "Animal rights extremists have been terrorising my constituents in and around Yoxall and Newchurch for five years now. "Their reign of terror has ranged from waking people up in the dead of night from damaging vehicles to terrorising old ladies and digging up graves. "It is hard to believe that this could be allowed to continue in what would seem to be peaceful English villages. ÒMy concern now is to ensure the law is drafted carefully enough not to allow any loopholes and the overstretched Staffordshire Police are given the resources to enforce this new legislation." Huntingdon Life Sciences in Cambridgeshire has also been the target of high-profile protests. Extremists also launched more than 100 attacks on the homes of laboratory workers last year. The measures are to be added to the Serious Organised Crime and Police Bill, currently being considered by the Commons. It will become a criminal offence to cause "economic damage" through campaigns of intimidation. Police will be given extra powers to clamp down on attacks against firms in the supply chain, company employees and their families, as well as charity shops and universities. Anyone found guilty of causing harm to an animal-research organisation will face a five-year prison term under the new measures. | 
