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2 Years for Rescuing Dog, ALF Rescue More Animals in Retaliation

Will Potter | 23.07.2008 19:20 | SHAC | Animal Liberation | Repression | South Coast | World

Woman Sentenced to 2 Years for Rescuing Dog, “Terrorists” Rescue More Animals in Retaliation

As both the US and UK governments (and many others) are cracking down on animal rights and environmental activists, labeling them as terrorists and hitting them with outrageous prison sentences, supporters say it is for a few reasons. First, they say that these activists are national security threats. Second, they say that this boot-on-the-throat approach will deter future illegal activity by underground, “eco-terrorist” groups like the Animal Liberation Front.

But here’s a recent example of how this “Green Scare” plays out in real life.

A UK activist named Sara Whitehead was just sentenced to 2 years in prison for rescuing a beagle from an abusive home. That’s right, two years. Neighbors had filed complaints with the police and the RSPCA, to no avail. When Whitehead rescued the dog, cops pounced surprisingly quickly: it turns out Whitehead, like many activists, was already under police surveillance.

So has this use of police resources, to crack down on a woman rescuing an abused dog, deterred illegal activity by “eco-terrorist” groups like the Animal Liberation Front?

Far from it.


Bite Back Magazine has published an anonymous communiqué that says:

“Animal liberation volunteers are claiming responsibility for the direct intervention in the animal farming industry, as an act of solidarity with Sarah Whitehead who is currently behind bars for doing the right thing. While Sarah remains locked in her cell for freeing animals from pain and misery, volunteers successfully liberated 50 Turkeys from an Eastern factory farm.

This action means these sentient beings were spared from constant suffering, their lives destined to be cut short with the blade of slaughterhouse machinery. No longer will their existence be to fill the mouths of a salivating and greedy nation. They now exist as valued individuals, remaining happy and free.

Love and liberation for Sarah and all other captive individuals!
Animal Liberation Front”

This isn’t a new phenomenon. After a US court convicted the SHAC 7 on “animal enterprise terrorism” charges for running a controversial website, underground activists retaliated. And after lawmakers passed the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act, underground activists retaliated.

The outrageous prison sentences, the scare-mongering legislation, the spying: it’s not deterring underground activists. It’s only giving them one more reason to fight.

But lets stop for a moment so we can truly appreciate the absurdity of this situation. This is what the global “War on Terrorism” has become: a “animal rights terrorist” sentenced to two years in prison for rescuing a dog, and the “terrorist” retaliation is… saving more lives.

Will Potter
- Homepage: http://greenisthenewred.com

Comments

Hide the following 4 comments

Agreed..

23.07.2008 21:32

The government have cracked down immensely on legal protest recently. Seeing this happen before our eyes, as they round up LEGAL protesters and lock them away for the most absurd "crimes", it is so easy to see why people are now turning to illegal direct action. And it really isn't surprising for anyone who wants to make a difference to weigh up the chances of getting into trouble with the bumbling boys in blue.. the riskier things are now the demonstrations. Not because of any real application of the law but because the sweaty-palmed lardballs in NETCU and elsewhere just want things to stop and for people to stop speaking out against the sick things that happen in this world. Ultimately, people must not forget that demonstrations ARE legal, as is running a campaign, be it the website, myspace, newsletter or otherwise. They can lock people people away but this facade of so-called justice simply cannot last.

It isn't hard to see that this is just the beginning! Every time the repression gets worse, the reaction gets even stronger in return.... there just is NO way to stop animal liberation. They have right on their side. Nothing changes that...

Smokey B


where have the turkeys gone?

24.07.2008 15:33

Please dont take this the wrong way, i am not being facetious, but what do you do with 50 turkeys once they are set free?

Obviousley i am not interested in specifics but just generally curious as to where you put that many turkeys?

thanks

curious


curious

24.07.2008 22:23

Your answer is:

Animal sanctuaries


You know what curiousity did...

24.07.2008 23:16

To curious, there are many tens of thousands of quiet supporters of the ALF in this country. These are private people that live normal lives and don't show up on any police radar. They are in effect a secret army never seeking publicity. It is these wonderful people who take in and look after the thousands of animals released every year (far more than ever admitted to). ALF tend to stay clear of sanctuaries as the police are stupid enough to keep an eye on sanctuaries - look at how many times Friends has been raided. ALF are not stupid, they don't put the animals into sanctuaries.

These turkeys are probably living wonderful lives in small groups spread throughout the country and looked after by the army of private citizens.

Please try to keep your curiousity under control though, this is life or death for these animals and if they are found they will be sent to slaughter. Let it be enough that these animals are safe.

You know what curiousity killed...

The Cat


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