Some of the activists wore masks to hide their identities. Beckham said that is partly because they have been sued in civil court for harassment.

"We're not actually breaking any laws by doing things like home protests," he said. "But you don't need to break any laws to have a judgment issued against you in civil court."

AALAS is talking about the animal rights movement at its conference here in Salt Lake City. Seminars have been held on lab security and guarding against infiltration, animal welfare and other issues linked to the cause. FBI agents are scheduled to speak to the group today on a panel about activism that "crosses the line." The FBI considers some factions of the animal rights movement to be domestic terrorist organizations.

Suckow said AALAS and others need to do more to educate people about their side of the animal debate.

"The work we do saves the lives of not only people but of pet animals, wildlife animals, any animal or person that benefits from a pharmaceutical or surgical procedure of some kind. That all is the result of animal research," he said.

Utah Primate Freedom has promised more protests outside Huntsman Corp. executives' homes this week.

"I think it's a way to take the message not only to the person who is abusing the animals, but to let the neighbors know that's who lives in their neighborhood," said activist Colleen Gardner, adding that many neighbors she spoke with were appalled to find out what goes on in a testing lab. "I really do think it's a matter of education."

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E-mail: bwinslow@desnews.com