Stop Huntingdon Animal Cruelty

File:Stop Huntingdon Animal Cruelty (logo).png

Stop Huntingdon Animal Cruelty (logo)

File:HLSmonkey02.jpg

HLSmonkey02

File:Heather Nicholson (SHAC).jpg

Heather Nicholson (SHAC)

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SHAC7

Stop Huntingdon Animal Cruelty (SHAC) was an international animal rights campaign with the aim of closing down Huntingdon Life Sciences (HLS), a contract research organization that conducted animal testing. The campaign was initiated in the United Kingdom in 1999 and later expanded to other countries, including the United States and several European nations.

History

The SHAC campaign was founded by three British animal rights activists: Greg Avery, Heather James, and Natasha Avery. The campaign was launched in response to undercover footage released by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) that showed alleged mistreatment of animals at HLS.

Methods

SHAC employed a variety of tactics to achieve its goal, including direct action, protests, and public awareness campaigns. The group targeted not only HLS but also its suppliers, customers, and financial backers. These tactics often included letter-writing campaigns, phone blockades, and demonstrations at the homes and offices of individuals associated with HLS.

Legal Issues

The aggressive tactics used by SHAC led to numerous legal issues. Several members of the campaign were arrested and convicted for activities ranging from harassment to conspiracy to blackmail. In 2009, seven leading members of SHAC were sentenced to prison terms in the UK for their roles in the campaign.

Impact

Despite its efforts, SHAC was unable to achieve its primary goal of closing down HLS. However, the campaign did succeed in raising public awareness about animal testing and the practices of HLS. The campaign also had a significant impact on the animal rights movement, inspiring similar campaigns and actions worldwide.

Dissolution

The SHAC campaign officially ended in 2014, although some former members continue to be active in the animal rights movement.

Related Pages

• Animal rights
• Animal testing
• Direct action
• Huntingdon Life Sciences
• People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals
• Greg Avery
• Heather James
• Natasha Avery

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