Blogging About Critters Since 2007

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Animal Rights Activists Jailed in Europe

They are members of Stop Huntingdon Animal Cruelty (SHAC). I support their cause, but am uncomfortable with their tactics.

From Reuters...

The group had targeted about 40 firms as part of an international conspiracy to force the closure of Huntingdon Life Sciences (HLS), an animal research laboratory based near Cambridge. The members of Stop Huntingdon Animal Cruelty (SHAC) posted hoax parcel bombs to staff and offices, carried out criminal damage, threatened violence and made abusive phone calls, Winchester Crown Court was told.

The campaign also used tactics such as false allegations of paedophilia against managers of the supply companies, and posting sanitary towels to their homes saying the blood was contaminated with the AIDS virus.

Some employees from firms in Britain, France, Germany, Sweden and Switzerland had "puppy killer" and "scum" daubed on their houses.

The cost of the damage and increased security measures amounted to 12.6 million pounds, the court heard.

1 comment:

Andrew Heaton said...

Ana,

Much as I appreciate that SHAC had noble intentions, these types of actions are deplorable, and it is right that those involved should be punished.

We all have a right to express our views, but that does not give anyone the right to engage in criminal activity in doing so.

The work of the laboratory may be controversial, but those who work there are engaged in lawful employment and should be free to carry out their duties without being subject to this kind of behavior.

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