United for traditional agriculture and freedom of the plate.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: November 27, 2006 Rochelle Behrens 202/464-8817
Artisan Farmers Alliance Praises Signing of Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act Legislation addresses the violent actions of animal rights extremists
WASHINGTON – The Artisan Farmers Alliance (AFA) today praised the efforts of the 109th Congress and President Bush for enacting and signing legislation that will strengthen laws involving violent attacks and terrorism perpetrated by animal rights extremists.The Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act increases criminal penalties for anti-meat extremists that terrorize innocent citizens and law-abiding businesses.
“America has a zero tolerance policy for terrorism, violence and intimidation, and this law sends an important message to the violent fringe elements in our society. Violent animal rights activists that continue to threaten and harm animal scientists, researchers and family farmers must be apprehended and prosecuted.This new law will give law enforcement agencies the necessary tools they need to bring these extremists to justice,” said Michael Hacker, spokesman for the Artisan Farmers Alliance.
Victims of this terrorism include not only those who work directly with animals, such as medical researchers and small heritage duck farmers, restaurant owners and chefs, but also their families, children and neighbors.Examples of this harassment has ranged from waging verbal threats, to intimidation, stalking, violence, property destruction and even the detonation of explosives.
“Anti-meat terrorism must be stopped, and this law is an important step.Animal rights terrorists threaten family farmers, medical researchers and other law-abiding Americans every day.The Congress and the President deserve great credit for standing up to these violent fringe elements,” Hacker added.
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The Artisan Farmers Alliance represents the interests of America’s foie gras farmers, producers and others involved in bringing artisanal agricultural products to the American table. For more information, visit www.artisanfarmers.org.