US legislates against animal rights terrorism

The US House of Representatives passed the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act in mid-November, following unanimous passage through the Senate in late September. This extends the scope of the Animal Enterprise Protection Act of 1992. By Simon Shane

A feature of the new law is that penalties will now be imposed for attacks or threats against individuals associated with intensive livestock production. During the recent campaign against confined sows in Arizona, death threats were made against opponents of the initiative and reports of fire bombings used to intimidate participants in the industry have increased.

Environmental and animal rights activists have come under increasing scrutiny from the Federal Bureau of Investigation based on their past activities and their potential to inflict physical injury or death and destruction of property. The Animal Liberation Front has been involved in attacks on animal care facilities of research institutions and universities and has also been involved in intrusive trespass onto livestock installations.

Progress in improving animal welfare and correcting obvious deficiencies can be achieved through reasonable evaluation of facts and cooperation among participants comprising concerned consumers, regulatory officials and industry leaders. Examples include cessation of starvation-induced molting and severe beak trimming in the US egg industry, the introduction of mechanical harvesting for broilers and improved handling, transport and stunning of both broilers and turkeys.

Zealots advocating what amounts to terrorism have the avowed objective of eliminating all intensive livestock production. History has shown that these misguided individuals will apply any legitimate or extra-legal approach and are prepared to create fear, apply intimidation and destroy property.

Faced with the growing problem of animal rights terrorism, the industry should increase security, correct obvious malpractices, develop proactive programs to project a positive image to consumers and work closely with legislators and law enforcement agencies to suppress overtly illegal activities.

By: Simon Shane