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03/02/2006
SHAC Guilty
Verdict is a Victory for Medical Research
WASHINGTON, Mar. 2 -- The Foundation for Biomedical Research applauds the guilty verdict which was delivered today in the case of six animal extremists who orchestrated and waged a national campaign of threats, vandalism and harassment. Federal agents in four states arrested the extremists, who were affiliated with SHAC USA, on charges relating to an organized campaign of intimidation and harassment against a company that tests pharmaceuticals on animals. SHAC USA, a radical animal extremist group, faced federal charges relating to a multi-year conspiracy of intimidation and harassment against Huntingdon Life Sciences (HLS), a medical research laboratory with its U.S. headquarters in New Jersey. The charge carries up to three years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The group was charged with conspiracy to engage in interstate stalking and three counts of interstate stalking. Each of those charges carries up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The stalking charges accuse the activists of placing three people, and their families, in fear of death or injury. Their actions included "telephone and e-mail blitzes, fax blitzes and computer blockades against HLS in order to divert HLS employees from their regular work," the indictment charged. The trial was the government’s first attempt to curb the growing threat of animal extremism since the Animal Enterprise Protection Act was amended in 2002 to include the crime of "animal enterprise terrorism." HLS, a legitimate business that is vital to the American research community, has long endured years of despicable campaigning against its executives, shareholders, customers and suppliers by a group of animal extremists known as "SHAC." Frankie L. Trull is president of the Foundation for Biomedical Research, the nation’s oldest and largest organization devoted to promoting public understanding, respect and support for humane and responsible animal research. Six Nobel laureates, 13 members of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, 13 fellows of the National Academy of Sciences, a former Surgeon General and a former Cabinet Secretary serve on its board of directors.
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