SHAC is an acronym that stands for "Stop Huntingdon Animal Cruelty." It refers to an international animal rights campaign and activist organization that specifically targets the Huntingdon Life Sciences (HLS), a contract research organization known for its involvement in animal testing. The primary objective of SHAC is to compel HLS to cease their animal testing practices through non-violent means.
The SHAC campaign employs various tactics such as direct action, public protests, legal pressure, and public awareness campaigns to put pressure on HLS and its affiliates. Activists affiliated with SHAC have been involved in activities like demonstrations, occupations, corporate campaigns, public leafleting, and online advocacy to highlight the perceived cruelty and ethical concerns associated with animal testing.
SHAC's campaign strategy involves targeting not only HLS but also its clients, suppliers, and financiers, aiming to disrupt their operations and thereby create a financial impact. Thus, SHAC actively encourages activists to engage in activities like boycotts, investor pressure, and public shaming to dissuade businesses from associating with HLS.
While the group advocates for animal welfare and the ethical treatment of animals, its tactics have generated controversy and legal scrutiny. SHAC has been classified as a domestic terrorist threat by the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) due to its history of acts of vandalism, harassment, and intimidation. The organization's supporters argue that their activism is necessary to raise awareness about animal cruelty and bring an end to the use of animals in scientific testing.
