UK:SHAC National Demo(26/04/08) Why Novartis???

Why Novartis?

The Novartis Xenotransplantation ScandalBetween 1994 and 2000, hundreds of higher primates were subjected to grotesque 'xenotransplantation' experiments. Hearts and kidneys from genetically engineered piglets were transplanted into the necks, abdomens and chests of monkeys and baboons captured from the wild. The research was conducted by a biotechnology company, Imutran Ltd, which is a subsidiary of the multinational drug firm Novartis, and the experiments were all conducted at Huntingdon Life Sciences laboratories.

Shocking Government ComplicityA leaked document describes how, back in 1995, Imutran report that the Home Office will attempt to get kidney transplants classified as "moderate" procedures. These procedures should have been classified as "substantial" or "severe" instead...however this would have imposed more conditions on the research and would have been an inconvenience!

The closeness of the Home Office's relationship with Imutran and HLS even went so far as covering up for mistakes and incompetence which lead to animals suffering and dying during the xenotransplantation programme. However this comes as no surprise considering the Home Office's unwavering support for HLS in the face of the SHAC campaign!

Disgusting Animal Welfare AbusesFaxes from global wildlife dealers reveal how at least 50 baboons were taken from the African plains for the experiments. Three primates imported specifically for the research died en route to Huntingdon Life Sciences (HLS). The journey lasted 48 hours, 24 hours longer than approved by the Home Office, but still they chose not to take any action.

The inadequate space and ventilation in the transport crates were also considered to be contributory factors. The crates breached fundamental requirements of international air transport regulations on size and ventilation, again the Government took no action!

Barbaric Experiments and Horrific IncompetenceMany primates died within 24 hours of surgery due to “technical failures”. One primate even died when a swab was left in his body by mistake and caused an infection. The remaining primates died as a result of the following: Infections, toxic effects of immunosuppressant drugs, heart failure as a result of rejection, heart failure for apparently inexplicable reasons.

All of this intense and protracted suffering of the wild-caught baboons was inflicted with the blessing and support of the Home Office. The baboons used in these horrific experiments were just 2-4 years old - mere youngsters, and were taken directly from the wild. They were literally ripped from the African Savannahs and shipped to HLS to undergo these terrible experiments!

Baboon W201m died of a stroke after two days of suffering from limb spasms and paralysis. Baboon W205m was 'sacrificed' after 21 days. A genetically modified pig's heart had been welded to the vital arteries within its neck. Researchers noted the heart was swelling way beyond its natural size. Strange yellow fluid was seen seeping from the organ.

It's Their Choice So It's Their FaultNot only was Novartis complicit in one of the most terrible scandals ever to be documented at Huntingdon Life Sciences, to this day they remain one of Huntingdon's biggest customers. Without the support of Novartis, HLS could easily plummet into bankruptcy and this means Novartis are a crucial target for the campaign. Novartis have the choice of whether to deal with HLS or not, and until they stop dealing with them they will be held to account!!!

We MUST show Novartis that their barbaric crimes have not been forgotten and that their ongoing support for HLS will not be tolerated! Novartis recently tried to get their injunction against protests extended to the point that SHAC protests against them would be impossible, this pathetic attempt to stifle legitimate protests failed and now it's time for the backlash!

Justice For The AnimalsThe last thing Novartis want is us telling local people that they test on monkeys at their Horsham research centre, so that is exactly what we are going to do! SHAC are arranging a massive march through Horsham which will generate lots of local media attention and put the spotlight firmly on Novartis. The people of Horsham will hear about the atrocities that Novartis fund at HLS and the crimes they commit in their own laboratories, their attempts to silence protests are about to backfire on them spectacularly!

Start making your travel arrangements for this extremely important demo now, especially if you're coming from overseas. Transport is currently being arranged from across the UK, so if you need transport, or will have space in your vehicle, contact SHAC at info@shac.net and let's make this demo massive!

Always for the animals~ SHAC
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Ill be there and will be bringing foods!

 

Damn, bloody saturday job.