MILITANT animal rights protesters today issued a chilling list of targets for assassination if York hunger striker Barry Horne dies.

The shock announcement by a group called the Animal Rights Militia claims it has drawn up a list of ten people to kill.

As Barry Horne's hunger strike enters its 57th day, the group claims it is resorting to desperate measures.

There was round condemnation today from MPs and even the supporters of Barry Horne, who are camped out in a vigil outside York District Hospital, where Mr Horne is stable.

The announcement names four of the ten targets, including an Oxford Univerisity don, who they claim are involved in vivisection. They say the other six names are being kept secret.

Animals Betrayed Coalition, the group representing Barry Horne, today distanced itself from the assassination threats. Spokesman John Pounder said: "I do not welcome it but I understand the anger out there. The ARM has made similar threats in the past and I have no doubt they are serious."

John Clarke, of York Animal Aid, said: "We condemn violence of all descriptions from anybody. On the other hand, we can see how people are pushed to extremes at the moment by the Government refusal to even acknowledge pre-election promises."

Robin Webb, a spokesman for the Animal Liberation Front, said he had issued the announcement on behalf of the militant Animal Rights Militia, even though he claimed his own group did not get involved.

He said: "The Government is refusing to honour any of its pre-election promises. It is accusing Barry of blackmail when all he's asking for is a date be set for Royal Commission to look at animal experiements which would take on all sides. ."

DCI John Lacy, at York Police, said he was concerned about the announcement.

Ryedale MP John Greenway, who is the shadow home affairs spokesman, said: "Making death threats will solve absolutely nothing. I feel the Government is handling this whole situation responsibly and are taking forward much of the work we have done."

Today's news comes as supporters of animal rights activist Barry Horne met to plan his funeral.

A spokesman for the Animals Betrayed Coalition said today work had started to arrange a large scale pagan funeral which would go through the centre of Horne's hometown of Northampton.

The plans are being made as Barry Horne's campaign against animal testing gained the support of a man dubbed "the Animals' Padre."

The Rev James Thompson, an ex-hospital chaplain from Holywell, North Wales, has arrived in York to stand outside York District Hospital.

The "padre" holds controversial beliefs that modern medicine, based on administering drugs, is the fifth highest killer in the country because of adverse reactions despite tests carried out on animals.

He said: "I wish to God that I had the courage to do this kind of thing, but I may be able to do more by living."

Horne, 46, was transferred to the hospital from Full Sutton Prison where he was serving an 18 year sentence for an arson campaign.

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