MONTPELIER — Officials with the Vermont college that was targeted by animal rights activists after it decided to slaughter two oxen is testifying before a legislative committee on what it says is the need for action to help farms or other organizations fight threats by activists.

Green Mountain College officials are talking to the House Agriculture Committee today.

The college became the center of an uproar this fall over its decision to slaughter two retired oxen and process the animals for meat to be used in the school’s dining hall.

Critics of the decision signed online petitions and sent thousands of emails from around the world.

School officials say even area slaughterhouses were threatened.

The college eventually decided to euthanize the injured ox and to keep the other ox at the farm.