Shamrock Farm

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Shamrock Farm was a vivisection laboratory located in Sussex, England. It was the largest supplier of primates to the United Kingdom's research industry. The facility was owned by the Bausch & Lomb company and operated by its subsidiary, Charles River Laboratories.

History

Shamrock Farm was established in the 1950s and became a significant supplier of non-human primates for biomedical research. The farm primarily imported macaques and baboons from countries such as Mauritius and Kenya. These primates were used in various types of research, including toxicology, pharmacology, and neuroscience.

Controversy

The facility became the focus of intense scrutiny and protest from animal rights activists. Groups such as the British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection (BUAV) and Animal Liberation Front (ALF) campaigned against the farm, citing concerns over the ethical treatment of animals and the conditions in which they were kept.

In 1997, an undercover investigation by the BUAV revealed footage of primates in distress, leading to public outcry and increased pressure on the facility. This eventually led to the closure of Shamrock Farm in 2000. The remaining primates were rehomed to sanctuaries and other facilities.

Closure

The closure of Shamrock Farm marked a significant victory for animal rights activists. It also led to increased scrutiny of other animal research facilities in the UK and contributed to the ongoing debate over the ethics of animal testing.

Legacy

The legacy of Shamrock Farm continues to influence discussions on animal rights and the use of animals in research. It serves as a case study in the ethical considerations and regulatory frameworks surrounding vivisection and animal testing.

Related Pages

• Vivisection
• Animal rights
• British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection
• Animal Liberation Front
• Charles River Laboratories
• Bausch & Lomb
• Non-human primates in research