Posted on the 5th January 2009
On December 23rd 2008, four of the five anti-vivisection activists on trial at Winchester Crown Court were found guilty of 'conspiracy to blackmail' after a 14-week trial. They were accused of harassment against employees of Huntingdon Life Sciences (HLS) and their customers, shareholders and investors. Actions directed against HLS, but not proven to be linked to those convicted – such as hoax bombs, letters alleging paedophilia, and threats – were highlighted as evidence of the defendants' extremism.
The trial and events leading up to it generated worldwide media attention, and SHAC activists’ convictions prompted celebratory statements by police, government ministers and drug industry leaders. But the celebrations were not universal. The research group, Corporate Watch, saw the trial as ‘ part of a larger attack on the animal rights movement motivated by the state’s desire to protect private corporations against dissent’.
Charlotte Dujardin, a dressage champion for Team GB, has withdrawn from the 2024 Paris Olympics. This is due to recently-surfaced footage, taken four years ago of her whipping a horse repeatedly around the legs.
Posted 24 Jul 2024
On the 22nd of July, we celebrate Animal Law Day, an important opportunity to reflect on the advancements made in animal protection legislation and reaffirm our commitment to advocating for the rights of animals.
Posted 22 Jul 2024
