home >> news

MEET & GREET DEMOS AT HLS CUSTOMERS IN DC

Tuesday, 4th May

DC animal rights activists paid morning 'meet n greet' visits to 4 of the top HLS customers: Novartis, AstraZeneca, Sanofi Aventis, and Bristol-Myers Squbb. When protesters arrived at the first target, shared office building of Novartis & AstraZeneca, the security guards were on the look out for activists and came out when activists approached the building. The police came very briefly to let activists know that they can't block sidewalks and cannot enter the buildings or open doors. The police left and no arrests were made. After hammering Novartis and AstraZeneca with a loud and focused demo with 3 bullhorns, activists felt that the message had been adequately served.

Next stop was Sanofi Aventis, where protesters received their usual escort by security guards who are in constant contact with law enforcement. Protesters went to one entrance where the majority of employees enter and exit the building. After about 10 minutes, the security guards told the building maintenance guy to spray protesters with a hose with intentions to drive them away. This didn't stop them from continuing with a very spirited demo. After 10 minutes, protesters rushed the security line to the doors to get out of the way of the hose. The security guards quickly radioed for back up and called police, who never showed up. Protesters continued the demo and warned Sanofi Aventis employees that they need to cut their bloody ties with HLS. Security got physical a few times with activists and made sure everyone entering the building had badges.

After about half an hour of naming and shaming Sanofi Aventis, protestors moved on finally to Bristol-Myers Squibb, where a spirited and loud protest followed. BMS security guards are not as hostile as Novartis, but they locked their doors while protesters were outside. Bicycle cops showed up and assisted security guards in blocking off the handicap entrance. Protesters made it clear in speak outs that it doesn't matter if the DC BMS office has 30 employees or 3 employees, they have the power to cut their ties with Huntingdon Life Sciences. BMS employees were served with a reminder that this fight does not end at the offices and can happen at any time or any place at home or at the office. We will never back down and never compromise. BMS knows what to do to end all their bullhorn-induced headaches around the world!

If you want to get some rest, cut your ties with HLS!