Rebecca Rubin Sentenced to 5 Years for ALF & ELF Arsons
After 7 years on the run, an ALF saboteur is sentenced for freeing horses, more.
After turning herself in in 2012 following 7 years on the run, and pleading guilty last October, this week Rebecca Rubin was sentenced to 5 years in federal prison. The sentence is much less than the 7.5 years the government was requesting.
In the media, the arson elements of her charges overshadowed the two actions in which she admitted to freeing wild horses from BLM corrals, where the horses were to be auctioned for slaughter.
Rubin was sentenced for four Animal Liberation Front and Earth Liberation Front actions:
- Freeing 400 wild horses from a federal land management corral in Oregon as others set the property on fire (1998)
- Bringing gasoline to a ski resort under construction in Vail, Colo., later used to ignite fires that destroyed the ski complex (1998)
- Bringing incendiary devices to the Medford, Ore., office of U.S. Forest Industries, which were later used in an arson fire (1998)
- Freeing wild horses from a California BLM facility as others set fire to a barn (2001)
In a letter to the judge, Rubin wrote:
“Animals and the natural world have always been for me a source of profound joy, wonder and solace, and their mistreatment and destruction a source of indescribable pain. By way of trying to explain–but not excuse–my actions, I reached a point in my early twenties when I could longer contain or appropriately channel the grief, despair, and powerlessness I felt in response to the mistreatment of animals and the natural world.”
She will also be on probation after she leaves prison, and must make monthly payments toward a restitution bill of over $13 million.
During the sentencing, the judge also drew attention by asking Rubin to read Malcom Gladwell’s latest book, David and Goliath, which she said would could teach her about “non-violent” means of protest.
Arriba la liberacion !!
“David and Goliath”? As I recall, David used violent means to handle the situation.
Now, I am very proud of Miss Ruben. She is very brave and has a huge heart. If there were more people like her, this animal cruelty would have been ended long ago.
Non-violent means is a long process. Meanwhile, animals are being tortured and murdered. Every animal is precious. This judge needs a few lessons in that. Miss Rubin could teach her.
Im flooded with emotion to witness and FEEL the essence of courage embraced with honor from the heart for all life through R Rubin EVER DEEPER…
I have nothing but admiration for her. May the longtime light shine on her, all love surround her, and the pure light within her guide her all the way home
Isolt, it’s Kathleen. Is this YOU–my best friend in 3rd grade (at Hunter)?
I applaud Rubin for what she did to save these horses! I will pray that her sentence goes quickly and may she get an early parole! Thank you to all the ALF and ELF members for ALL they do!
Words cannot describe how much I respect & appreciate this woman. Thank you, Rebecca, for rescuing so many.
sorry to see such a beautiful person locked away..Rebecca,said in court that she was” blinded by her own self righteousness” i don’t that so true. i believe she kind of pointed out others in their self righteousness. you go girl, keep the peace going.
Good job
I am so sorry you have to go to prison and pay 13 million in fines to people who wanted to murder horses. But that is the way this country is. I will pray for you. You did the right thing. I don’t think I would have had the guts to do it. I cried after reading this.