Prosecutor Breaches Plea Deal in A.L.F. Case: The Report From Court

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I attended court Friday, December 11^th for the (second) sentencing date of accused Animal Liberation Front activist BJ Viehl.BJ was scheduled to be sentenced for the release of 600 mink from a mink farm in suburban Salt Lake City.

What should have been a sentencing instead became a court battle, with BJ’s lawyer Heather Harris and Assistant U.S. Attorney John Huber sparring over whether the prosecutor has breached the plea agreement and a new judge should be assigned to the case.

A full recap of BJ’s first sentencing date can be read here.

To encapsulate: On November 11th, the case took a turn for the worse at BJ’s first sentencing when the judge announced he intended to more than quadruple the sentence called for in the plea bargain. Wishing to “set an example”, he stated he intended to sentence BJ not to the 6 months recommended in the plea bargain, but to over 2 years. He stopped short of issuing a sentence that day, acknowledging that discarding a plea bargain was an unusual move, and allowed the prosecution two weeks to prepare a response.

Court reconvened last Friday. Again, the case had taken another turn that would prevent sentencing for BJ that day.

On the table was a motion filed by BJ’s lawyer asking the judge to remove himself from the case. Arguing certain statements made by the prosecutor at sentencing amounted to a breach of the plea agreement, the defense asked the judge to hit the reset button on sentencing and start over: new judge, new sentencing proceeding.

BJ’s attorney took to the podium and outlined her argument.

Central to the motion was the slide show given by the prosecutor at the first sentencing date. Memorable to all who were in court that day, it was a collage of arson scenes from past A.L.F. actions, communiqué samples from actions BJ was not charged with, and more material related to A.L.F. action BJ had no involvement in. The only material of direct relevance to the case were photos of graffiti left at the McMullin farm reading “We are watching” and “A.L.F.”.

It was clear the intent of the slideshow was to associate BJ with A.L.F. actions he had not been charged with, and insinuating an affiliation with A.L.F. cells carrying out more serious actions such as arson. Defense attorney Harris recounted her conversation with Huber before court on November 11th, in which she told him: “Arson has nothing to do with this case”.

BJ’s lawyer argued these statements amounted to a breach of the plea agreement. By law, she said, the prosecutor cannot start the sentencing by asking for 6 months (as he was bound to do by the plea agreement), and then proceed to list every reason why BJ should get more than 6 months.

“The government can not agree to the sentencing guidelines, and then complain about the sentencing guidelines”.

Several factors can permit a judge to go above the sentencing guidelines. One of these is an exceptional emotional impact on the victim. A prosecutor is not allowed to argue any of these factors when they are recommending a fixed sentence, per a plea agreement.

The most repeated point the prosecutor made during sentencing was the emotional impact of the mink release on Lindsey McMullin and the entire fur industry. Thus, the defense argued, he had breached the plea agreement and a new sentencing was required.

The judge interrupted Harris to ask:

“What advice should we give prosecutors? Should they just say nothing (at sentencings)?”

Harris’s response:

“The government cannot argue for enhancements (factors which justify going outside the recommended sentence)”.

I recall leaving the courtroom the day of BJ’s first sentencing date and commenting that the prosecutor’s entire statement amounted to a “wink wink” suggestion to the judge that 6 months was to light of a sentence, despite being required to argue for 6 months as required by the plea agreement signed by his hand. This sentiment was later echoed by BJ’s attorney in statements to the media, and was her prime focus in court last Friday.

Harris told the judge that U.S. Attorney Huber “muttered” a recommendation of 6 months, and proceeded to list every reason why 6 months “does not capture the seriousness of this case”.

Upon recommending a guideline range (again, the range in this case was 6 to 10 months, with the prosecutor recommending 6), the government is supposed to support their position at sentencing, not argue against a plea agreement previously agreed upon. This was the heart of the defense’s case for assigning a new judge to the case.

“The government did indirectly what it couldn’t do directly”, Harris said.

Harris closed her argument and U.S. Attorney Huber addressed the court. (more…)

The Spectre of Militance and Morgan, Utah: A Case Study

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“The protests don’t scare farmers the most. They’re worried someone will sneak in and release their animals” (KSTU Fox 13 News)

"Be Thankful We Are Only Protesting"

When I faced off with police in riot gear and over 75 mink farmers and their supporters in the mink farming capital of the U.S. Saturday, it wasn’t the threat of us waving signs outside their farms that elicited their wrath – it was the threat of the Animal Liberation Front.

This is the story of the true value of protest, as revealed by the mink farmer’s own words.

Background: In August, the Salt Lake Animal Advocacy Movement (SLAAM) announced a Fur Free Saturday march through Morgan, Utah, home of 15 active mink farms. The protest would target two mink farms: starting at the Dawson Fur Farm, finishing at the S. Francis Fur Farm one mile away.

All I spoke to in attendance referred to it as the most tense and volatile demo they had every attended. The threat of impending violence from the 50+ mink farmers in attendance was palpable.

(View video clips from the demo here, and a photo slideshow here)

I followed the media and fur industry coverage closely, before and after the protest. I listened to words directly form the mink farms at the protest, had conversations with reporters who had spoken with farmers that day, and more. The overwhelming take-home message was this:

Mink farmers don’t fear protesters, they fear the implicit threat the protesters bring: that of the Animal Liberation Front looming just out of sight. Their frenzy was not inspired by the threat of sings and chants, but of the crowd charging their farms, releasing animals, and more.

Martin Luther King stated he was only able to gain ground with opponents of the civil rights struggle with the threat of Malcolm X and the more extreme tactics he promoted looming in the background.

It is a point best made in the fur industry’s own words:

“We’ve been preparing (for the protest) for months…. My gates are locked…” (mink farmer L. Scott Francis, Standard-Examiner)

“They have a right to free speech, as long as they’re not blowing up feed plants and destroying million dollar property.” (Mink farmer Smokey Dillree, Standard Examiner)

“We will probably be nervous for a very long time (after the protest), and a lot of people will spend a lot of nights watching their farms… (My husband) was out on watch with the rest of his family last night. “ (Wife of a Morgan fur farmer)

“If you believe standing on the side of the street pounding on a bucket and holding up signs is an effective way to express your opinion and convince others then more power to you. Go for it! If you feel, however, the need to take matters into your own hands and work ‘outside the law’(as many signs and chants implied) that is a different issue.” (Morgan resident)

“The animal rights activists that are protesting the mink farms in the past have demonstrated that they will take extreme measures. These measures include trespassing, vandalism of property, and releasing the caged mink.” (Morgan resident)

“In the end, the activists will enter our community, and overstep the law as they impose their will on the local ranchers. This is what they have done in the past…” (Morgan resident, Standard -Examiner)

“Francis is also worried the protest may lead to the release of mink and the demolition of pens and sheds, similar to other protests in past years in West Haven and West Jordan.” (Mink farmer S. Francis, Standard-Examiner).

“There was a lot of damage to ranches and livelihoods, so it’s something we can’t take lightly”. (Mink farmer S. Francis, Standard-Examiner)

“Mink growers, however, worry it will turn into something more, with their property being destroyed and minks being set free.” (KSL News)

“(The mink farm protest) has the potential to incite breaches of the peace” (language from Morgan County anti-protesting ordinance)

“Stan Durrant says… he’s been spending nights at his farm worried someone might try to open his cages.” (KSTU Fox 13 News)

“Couldn’t we make them supply us their names, in case they do something later? …I don’t understand why they have the freedom not to reveal who they are.” (Mink farmer Tony Jones at the County Council meeting to ban targeting protesting)

“I know Cort, I know Pete, I know Chuck (mink farmers who had their farms raided). In a matter of 10 or 15 minutes, an entire career can be turned upside down. And that’s the last thing we want to happen here…” (County Councilperson, addressing fur farmers at the County Council meeting to ban targeting protesting).

“I’m sure you people will try and protect us…. We don’t want these people up here. We realize they have rights, we need to make rules to keep them out so we don’t have to spend our time up all night. They’re up to no good. They’re breaking the law. They’re agenda was proven last fall in Kaysville, they let 7,000 mink out… “ (Mink farmer Tony Jones at Morgan County Council meeting to ban targeting protesting)

And in a region with a long-running, vibrant and prolific animal rights movement, the head of the Fur Commission USA admits it is not the hundreds of protests which they view as a threat, but direct intvervention in their industry by groups like the Animal Liberation Front. The single action described by Teresa Platt as the industry’s “darkest hour” was not a mass convergence of protesters, but the demolition of the nations largest fur feed production plant, just outside Salt Lake City:

“(The Utah fur industry’s) darkest hour was on Mar. 11, 1997, when terrorists launched an attack on the Fur Breeders Agricultural Coop, in Sandy. An incendiary bomb was detonated inside the Co-op offices, totally destroying them.” (Teresa Platt, Fur Commission USA)

And the mink farmers seemed especially sensitive to the flier passed out at the protest listing updated info on most fur farms in Utah (view here), and the mink farm photo gallery on FurFreeUtah.com. Farmers recognize their industry is so shameful, and public support is so low, that any information made public will have adverse affects. Particularly photos and addresses of their farms:

“(Mink farmer Lynn Boyce) said he fears any inside information could lead to protests that harm specific mink ranches in Morgan.” (Standard-Examiner)

“L. Scott Francis said it was difficult to see his farm pictured on furfreeutah.com, a Web site organized by the protestors. ‘But there’s not much we can do,’ he said.” (Standard-Examiner)

The Morgan mink farm protest is a case study in a lesson more conservative elements of any social justice movement would do well to internalize: Without the spectre of militant, direct action looming just out of sight of more moderate protest activity, legal protest carries little weight.

-Peter Young

First Post-Prison Statement from SHAC 7 Prisoner Jacob Conroy

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The fourth of the SHAC 7  prisoners to be released, Jacob Conroy walked out of the federal prison in Terminal Island on November 6th. Jake spent 3 years in prison on Interstate Stalking and Animal Enterprise Terrorism charges for his involvement in the SHAC campaign. This is his first post-prison statement:

November 17, 2009 Dispatch from Jake

On November 6th, 2009, I walked out of Terminal Island and left behind the actual imprisonment portion of my sentence. Honestly, the date snuck up on me and the actual release is something that still doesn’t feel real to me. Having a going-home party the night before, emptying out my locker, saying goodbye to friends, even sitting in the holding cell at the Receiving and Departure department – it didn’t really compute that I was walking out of the gates for good. But it slowly is starting to sink in now.

When you’re in prison, most everyone refers to the halfway house as “going home”. The rest call it a trap, set up to send you back to prison. I’ve found that it falls somewhere in between. Technically, yes, the halfway house is a 15 minute drive from my house; but I can’t go there. Not to use the phone or email to look for a job, or to pick up clothes or toiletries. While I don’t think anyone has set it up to entrap you, it is definitely so bogged down with regulations and bureaucracy that a smooth and successful reentry into society and the job force is nearly impossible. Of the 75 people here, to say 25% of them are gainfully employed and therefore permitted to see their loved ones on weekends, would be a liberal estimation. To survive mentally, you have to constantly remind yourself that this is not time off your sentence to do as you please, rather the last leg of your current one.

After my first week, I’m able to leave one hour each day for recreation, and on week days I’m permitted to leave to pre-approved locations to look for a job. So I’m getting out of the house and starting to experience the world again. It’s a process that made me realize how confined we are in prison and one that quickly becomes overwhelming. Walking up and down hills, being in a completely enclosed space, like a bathroom and not having to be in a locked cell or tier in order to be counted is all new to me again and its interesting to see my reactions to it.

It’s not all terrible though. The room I share with 5 other guys would normally hold at least 12 in prison. The bathroom is private and it amazes me that albeit a small one, it’s the size of the 2 man cell I lived in. I’m restocking my vitamin B12 intake at the Whole Foods that’s within walking distance and marveling at all the new vegan junkfood. Eventually I’ll get around to trying it all.

Doing time would hardly be time at all if they provided vegan food. But why start now. Thankfully I’m allowed to have food dropped off for me (which unfortunately can not be stored – it’s either eaten right away or it goes in the trash) and I have the greatest group of friends who bring me a hot vegan meal every night, even though they can’t stay and visit. It’s really hard to see them for just a minute, but my heart and stomach thank them. The support has really been incredible.

Finally, I want to thank everyone who sent me a letter, postcard, photo, magazine, book, support and love over the past 3 years. I can’t even explain what that does for a prisoner. I really couldn’t have done the time without you. So please – go to a prisoner support list and write one today. Unfortunately, I lost touch or was unable to write back most of my pen pals in the last few months of my incarceration. In the beginning of August I sliced my hand on some irresponsibly hung razor wire, cutting through the tendon in my middle finger, down to the bone. I had to be brought to the emergency room and have it repaired. I’m still not at 100% mobility yet, and writing really made it ache. So I apologize for my lack of correspondence. I’ve missed writing you all, and hope you’ll drop me a line. In about 6 months I’ll be out of the Bureau of Prison’s custody and on to probation. But the worst of it is over. In the meantime, please support political prisoners in any way you can, drop me a line and if you know anyone in the Bay Area that has a job opening for a federal felon, let me know!

Keep Fighting!

Jake Conroy

Battle Over the Release of Accused Lab Raid Conspirator

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University of Iowa Break-In

Just as a judge ordered the release of a man accused of the Animal Liberation Front break-in at the University of Iowa, the prosecution filed an emergency appeal requesting his continued imprisonment. Here’s the story so far:

On November 17^th, Scott DeMuth refused to testify before a grand jury investigating a 2004 Animal Liberation Front action in Iowa, and was jailed for contempt.

On November 18^th, although it appeared the statute of limitations had, or was about to, expire, prosecutors rushed through a last-minute indictment charging Minneapolis resident Scott Demuth (17 at the time of the raid) with a role in the liberation.

Details on the case against DeMuth began to emerge. On November 20th, DeMuth plead not guilty at this arraignment. Central to their case, the prosecution said at the hearing, were two pieces of evidence.

One, a lock pick set seized from DeMuth’s home during a police search related to the Republican National Convention protests in 2008. Prosecutors highlighted masked activists in the film of the A.L.F. raid are seeing using lock picks to access the labs.

Two, a diary also seized during the police raid. In the journal, prosecutors stated they found evidence linking him to the 2004 Animal Liberation Front action.

Prosecutors also focused on references in the journal to an alleged associate of DeMuth’s, identified in the journal only as “P”. They asserted “P” was me, arguing I was a “fugitive from justice” for 7 years, and this alleged relationship (Scott and I have never met) with someone who was “underground” made Scott a flight risk. He was held in an Iowa jail.

Judge Orders DeMuth Released

On November 24th, Judge Shields ordered DeMuth released from jail to house arrest, pending trial. The order shed additional light on the case against Scott. Regarding the heavily circulated 50-minute video of the break-in, the Judge’s order states:

“[FBI agent] Reinwart was of the opinion that one of these individuals had a resemblance in terms of physique and stature with Demuth.”

He went on to state the FBI agent “did not testify that he knew Demuth participated in the occurrence.” DeMuth was being held on terrorism charges, while the most substantive allegation was his “resemblance” to individuals wearing ski masks in a grainy film.

(more…)

The Mystery of the University of Iowa A.L.F. Indictment

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In one of the more interesting lapses in media fact-checking, recent reports that an activist has been charged with conspiracy to break-in to the University of Iowa labs in 2004 may be premature. At least one lawyer has said the media may be misreporting the charges altogether.

The media announced Thursday that jailed grand jury resistor Scott DeMuth had been formally indicted for Animal Enterprise Terrorism in Iowa. While every media report speculated the charge related to conspiracy to commit vandalism related to the liberation of 401 animals at the University of Iowa, the media failed to decipher the criminal codes listed in the indictment. A look at those codes show it does not specify what illegal conduct is alleged – whether threats, vandalism, or something else altogether.

The indictment (viewed here), makes no mention the University of Iowa raid. The primary evidence cited by the media that Scott DeMuth is charged with the break-in is:

*The date range on the indictment (November 9th to November 20th, 2004) matching the University of Iowa raid.

*The county (Johnson) listed on the indictment matches the location of the University of Iowa raid.

*Scott DeMuth and Carrie Feldman’s attorney’s both stated they believe the grand jury was investigating the University of Iowa raid.

However it appears DeMuth may not be charged with the actual break-in under the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act.

To shed light on the confusion, attorney Matthew Strugar has this to say about the indictment:

“[the portion of the indictment indicating the charge does not pertain to property destruction at the University of Iowa is-] the subsection of the AETA that he’s charged under. 18 USC 43(b)(1) is property destruction and 18 USC 43(b)(2) is threats (here is a link to the law). So to have a violation of the law, they have to prove a violation of 43(a) and either 43(b)(1) or 43(b)(2). Scott’s indicted for a conspiracy to commit 43(a) and 43(b)(2), which is definitely a charge for making a threat. It cites (b)(2) twice in the indictment. It would have to list 43(b)(1) if it was for property destruction, damage, theft, etc, and it doesn’t.

(more…)

Interview with Jailed Grand Jury Prisoner Carrie Feldman

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On November 17th, Minneapolis residents Carrie Feldman and Scott DeMuth were jailed for refusing to testify at a grand jury in Davenport, Iowa. It is believed the grand jury is investigating and seeking to indict persons unknown for the Animal Liberation Front raid of the University of Iowa in 2004. 401 animals were liberated in the overnight break in, and nearly $500,000 damage was done to the labs.

The jailing of the two activists (15 and 17 at the time of the raid, respectively) received heavy media attention. Before her grand jury appearance on Tuesday, I did a short interview with Carrie on the her experience at her first Iowa grand jury experience several weeks prior. While most grand jury coverage has focused on the principles behind grand jury resistance, I wanted to ask Carrie about the experience itself: What they asked, how she was subpoenaed, and more.

Please visit the Support Carrie and Scott website to find out how you can support the both of them for their noble acts of grand jury non-participation.

Animal Liberation Front-line: Tell us how you were served with the subpoena.

Carrie: I was subpoenaed on a Tuesday around 5:00, just after leaving my house. Looking back I had stayed in most of the day because I was hanging out with a friend who was in town, so I wonder if they were waiting outside my house all day for me to come out. I had only gone about two or three blocks when I saw police lights flashing in my rear view mirror. I thought it was just a traffic stop or one of those awkward times when a cop is right behind you and turns on their lights to do something else. So I pulled over to let them pass, but soon realized that it was a black SUV, and they pulled over right behind me.
(more…)

Mink Liberated in Minnesota – Unclaimed Animal Liberation Actions Mount

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Media sources are reporting yet another animal liberation which has – so far – gone unclaimed. This time, the National Animal Interest Alliance (anti-animal rights organization) is reporting the release of 50 mink from a farm in Richmond, Minnesota in September.

Careful readers of mainstream news sources will occasionally notice reports of “vandalism” or arson against animal abuse targets, for which no claim of responsibility has been made, and no animal liberation motive is speculated. It is possible the true scope of clandestine animal liberation activity is much broader than reported. Egg farm warehouses have been burned down, slaughterhouses have mysteriously gone up in flames, and aviary cages have been torn open, all without a hint left behind as to the motive. A look at the A.L.F.’s 30-year diary of actions reveals well over 100 unclaimed actions against animal abuse targets, which were never claimed, and the motive behind which remains unknown.

in another apparently unclaimed action, this week the National Animal Interest Alliance (an animal abuse industry front group) reported that 50 mink were released from cages at a fur farm in Richmond, Minnesota on September 6th, before liberators were chased off the farm.

The only known fur farm in Richmond is:

Lang’s Mink Farm
19013 225th Street
Richmond, MN 56368

Sentencing Day for BJ Viehl: The Full Report

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Report From William “BJ” Viehl’s Sentencing

November 12^th, 2009

On November 12^th, 2009, both activists and fur farmers converged on the federal courthouse on downtown Salt Lake City to attend the sentencing for William “BJ” Viehl’s. Having pleaded guilty, BJ was to be sentenced for the release of 600 mink from the nearby McMullin Fur Farm. This was the first sentencing under the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act, and the first for a non-turncoat accused A.L.F. activist (for an A.L.F. action) in over two years.

I had the good fortune of visiting BJ in jail the previous day in what we hoped we be his last jail visit ever. He explained to me the expectation of both himself and his attorney at the sentencing was a sentence of no more than six months. With credit for time served, he expected to be out in one month, at most.

In the plea agreement, the prosecution agreed to recommend the low end of the guidelines. The AETA has been the subject of much hype, among the criticisms being the harsh sentences imposed for property crimes. A close look at the guidelines however finds that, within a narrow margin of “damage”(the dollar amount being the prime determinate of sentencing guideline placement), the AETA still remains potentially a lesser threat than charges for the same crimes at the state level.

In BJ’s case, the guidelines called for six to ten months. With the prosecution recommending six months, and the judge’s history of adhering to the guidelines, BJ expected to be released from jail in no more than one month. While the guidelines were discretionary, BJ was hopeful for being released that day.

Present at the hearing were approximately a dozen friends and supporters of BJ, as well as his wife and mother. The opposite side of the aisle was occupied by what we all speculated – by their weight and dress – were fur farmers. We would later learn Chris Valco (general manager of the Fur Breeder’s Agricultural Co-op) and Ryan Holt (3,000 mink released from his South Jordan farm in 1996) were among them.

Judge Benson entered the courtroom and the proceeding began. (more…)

Animal Research vs. Animal Liberation: CNN.com Debate Tomorrow

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Tomorrow at 12pm EST, CNN.com will feature a debate between myself, and two vocal animal researchers. Dr. Ray Greek will also be joining us. The lineup:

• Tom Holder: Started Pro-Tests a group supporting animal research.
• Peter Young: Animal rights activist, Animal Liberation Front supporter.
  

The producers describe the debate as a “discussion… to talk about animal testing in general- both sides…. the ethics of testing and also some of the violence that has been associated with that testing.”

To watch the discussion:

*Go to cnn.com/live

A.L.F. Witch Hunt: Second Activist Subpoenaed

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A second activist has just been subpoenaed to the grand jury in Iowa. The grand jury is believed to be investigating the 2004 Animal Liberation Front break-in at the University of Iowa, in which 401 animals were liberated. Like the first person subpoenaed, the second activist works with the Earth Liberation prisoners support group in Minneapolis.

The first activist known to be subpoenaed, Carrie Feldman, has her second grand jury appearance on November 17th in Davenport, Iowa. This is the day before the 5-year statute of limitations should, in theory, expire. However lawyers close to the case have said the statute of limitations could be circumvented if prosecutors pursue a conspiracy charge, a crime for which the statute of limitations clock is reset every time the “conspirators” communicate.

Grand juries are convened to indict people and send them to prison. It is clear that prosecutors in Iowa are intent on exactly that. It is crucial we support activists who take a non-cooperation stance, and are willing to sacrifice their freedom for as long as 18 months (the duration of a grand jury) to combat efforts to put animal liberators in prison.  Without the complicity of those subpoenaed, the malevolent work of a grand jury grinds to a halt.

-Peter Young

Sentencing Day for Accused A.L.F. Activist

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BJ Viehl will be sentenced on November 12th at 2pm for his role in releasing 600 mink from a fur farm in South Jordan, Utah.

This is the first sentencing for a non-turncoat, accused Animal Liberation Front activist (for an A.L.F. action) in over two years. This will also be the first guilty plea under the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act. Please spread the word on this significant date.

There are many possible outcomes for the November 12th date. His lawyers are stating it is a possibility BJ will walk free from court that day. As part of the plea deal, the prosecution will recommend the low end of the sentencing guidelines, making immediate release a possibility. Ultimately, the judge will decide the sentence deemed “appropriate” for the liberation of 600 captives of the McMullin Fur Farm death camp in South Jordan, Utah.

Coming soon, I will publish an in depth account of the case against BJ and Alex. The article will include a synopsis of all the evidence which lead to their indictment, including many details never made public.

BJ accepted a non-cooperating plea deal for his role in this release. This Thursday, he will be sentenced. Please be there to support him for putting himself on the line for the animals.

Please come *dressed appropriately* for court.

US Federal Court
350 South Main Street
Salt Lake City, UT
Thursday, November 12th
2pm sharp.

Case background:
www.supportbjandalex.com

Welcome Home Jake: 4th SHAC 7 Prisoner Released

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News to celebrate: After 3 years, Jake Conroy has been released from prison. Two more SHAC 7 prisoners to go.

Jake has been released to a halfway house in the San Francisco Bay Area. In order to be released from the halfway house for the holidays, Jake needs full-time employment. He is skilled at graphic design and computer-related work, among many other skills.

To help with employment, or to contact Jake directly, email:

info@supportjake.org

Please don’t forget about his co-defendants Lauren Gazzola and Kevin Kjonaas, who are still inside prison, and all the other animal and earth lib prisoners.

Fur Farmer Meeting Backfires: New Mink Farm Exposed

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Fur farmers attending a county council meeting to support a Morgan, Utah anti-fur farm protest ordinance hadn’t considered one thing: by being present, their names were now public record. As an unintended consequence, one previously unknown fur farm unknowingly exposed its location to the world: 1340 Island Road, Morgan, Utah.

15 mink farms are known to be operating in Morgan, the largest fur farming town in the country. Yet available fur farm lists only identified the addresses of 14. As shown in information provided to Animal Liberation Front-Line, the County Council meeting minutes have made public the location of the last unknown Morgan mink farm.

Activists obtained the meeting minutes for the Country Council meeting, attended by many mink farmers upset by the upcoming Fur Free Saturday march past their farms. The minutes were made public. At the bottom of the document was a list of everyone in attendance, including known fur farmers such as Smoky Dillree and Bryan Boyce. Also on the list were many unrecognized names.

This week I received the results of a cross-referencing of the list of attendees against existing fur farm address lists. The result: One of the names brought to light a previously unknown mink farm, just north of downtown Morgan at 1340 Island Road.  By the short-sightedness of fur farmers, the animal rights movement now has one more farm to protest on November 28th. (more…)

The Belly of the Beast: Nationwide Convergence on Fur Farm Capital

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Activists will from across the country will be converging on Morgan, Utah for Fur Free Saturday (November 28th). Morgan is the largest fur farming town in the country, with 15 active mink farms. In the spirit of the march to Birmingham in 1965, this convergence will climax in a one mile march through the heart of fur farm country, past two of Morgan’s mink farms.

Just the threat of this event is already generating immense media coverage in Utah. Through this coverage, it is clear it is not a peaceful protest they fear, but the power of crowds, and militant intervention of protesters who may escalate the protest. Farmers are fearful the event will result in daylight raids of their farms, citing past protests in West Jordan and West Haven which resulted in the daytime release of animals.

The next chapter came when the Morgan County Council amended their protesting ordinances specifically in fear of the convergence, requiring protesters to stay 1000 feet from all mink farms. In a town of 13 mink farms, it effectively makes the entire town of Morgan a “protest-free zone”. Almost. The head of the Morgan P.D. contacted local activists this week to inform them their city engineers had identified one location not within 1000 feet of a fur farm: The sidewalk in front of the police station. Protesting anywhere else, he said, would result in arrest.

For local mink farmers, their attendance at the ordinance meeting had an unknown consequence. The meeting minutes, obtained by activists, reveal the names of all in attendance, many of whom are mink farmers. This list contains the name of the owner of at least one previously unknown mink farm. While farmers work to conceal their names and addresses from activists, they made a clumsy error by allowing their names to be recorded on the county meeting minutes, and become public record.  A future post will cover what was learned from the list of names.

The flagrant stifling of protest activity lead the local Ogden, Utah paper to publish an editorial condemning Morgan officials for their anti-free-speech ordinance.

Morgan is clearly a town contemptuous of the constitution and steeped in the tradition of murder. Two lawsuits and numerous news headlines later, activists remain committed to march on Morgan November 28th, and are calling on activists nationwide to join them.

This event is likely to be legend.

More info at The Fur Free utah Website.

-Peter Young