MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) -- Officials with the Vermont college that was targeted by animal rights activists over its decision to slaughter two oxen says resources are needed to help farms and other businesses deal with online threats from activists.

Green Mountain testified before the House Agriculture Committee Tuesday about the uproar created over its decision to slaughter two retired oxen and use the meat in its dining hall.

Critics signed online petitions and sent millions of emails from around the world. School officials say area slaughterhouses were threatened.

Philip Ackerman-Leist, head of the school's Farm and Food Project, proposed that a rapid response team be set up to help others that come under such an attack.

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

Copyright 2013 The AP.