Activist Secretly Videotapes FBI Visit Investigating Mink Liberation

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Actual video of an FBI visit last week, seeking information on the release of 1,200 mink in Iowa

Any time I do a repost I feel compelled to apologize, because I want Animal Liberation Front-line to focus on exclusive content. But this one was too good to pass on, and there is nothing I can say here that Will Potter didn’t already cover, so here it is: Video of an FBI visit surreptitiously recorded by a video store owner in Des Moines, Iowa.

The store owner has been frequently visited by the FBI over the years, and refused to talk on every occasion. He is the same store owner featured in a previous Animal Liberation Front-line article, when agents attempted to bribe him into talking by giving him a $50 gift card, as part of the investigation into the 2004 ALF raid of the University of Iowa.

Here’s the video:

From Green is the New Red

Best Place Ever, a video store, and questioning him about last night’s release of mink from a fur farm in Jewel, Iowa. The agents suspect the Animal Liberation Front (ALF) was behind the raid, and question the man about any communication he may have with former ALF prisoner Peter Young. The FBI is investigating the mink release as “domestic terrorism.”

The video is pretty funny <!–more–>and worth a watch (and kudos to the gentleman at the store for taping it!). But I think it’s really important to point out that, if you are ever visited by the FBI, for any reason, the best thing to do is to say absolutely nothing. Not a little bit, not a sentence or two — nothing.

I’m not saying this because of what the person in the video says (I actually can’t make out anything he says, because it has been dubbed over) but because it is always, without a doubt, the best way to protect your rights and the rights of those in your community. As a lawyer friend of mine noted, anything you say could be twisted against you: “If, for instance, this gentleman said he knew nothing but actually did, they could get him on lying to a federal officer. So, like the overdubbing says, just say you’re not interested in talking to them.”

Saboteurs Return: Remaining 20,000 Fish Released in California

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Four days after 40,000 fish were released from nets, saboteurs return and release the remaining 20,000

“They came back”

In an incredible move, saboteurs returned to the Bay Area site where 40,000 salmon were released Monday night and released the remaining 20,000. The pen that was untouched in Monday’s action was cut open, releasing the last of the fish held captive by the Tiburon Salmon Institute.

The head of the institute stated:

“They clipped the zip ties that hold the nets in place. We were trying to solicit funds for a security camera. But we couldn’t get a security camera put up quick enough, and they came back.”

The Marin County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the vandalism, and said they have a meeting planned with the FBI.

The Animal Liberation Front has not claimed responsibility, and it is not yet confirmed this is the work of an animal liberation group.

Misguided action?

The conversation on these actions has centered on two things: (more…)

Iowa Mink & Fox Farm Raided, 1,200+ Mink Released

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FBI investigating the release of over one thousand mink in Jewell, Iowa

Actual photo of caged fox on the Palmer Erickson fur farm

After initially sparse reports, the full story is in: Sometime Thursday night, 1,200 to 1,500 mink were liberated from a fur farm in Jewell, Iowa. The target is confirmed as Palmer Erickson’s fur farm at 3374 Saratoga Avenue, Jewell, IA.

According to various reports, four sheds at the west end of the property had cages opened. There is no report of any foxes being released.  The Animal Liberation Front has not yet claimed responsibility.

Iowa has had more fur farm raids than any other state, with this being the 9th recorded mink farm liberation. After 5 years of steady activity, there were no raids for eight straight years (2003 to 2011). This week’s raid broke a long run of peace for fur farmers in Iowa.

The fur industry response

The response from the Fur Commission USA has been somewhat subdued compared to previous raids. They are only offering a $5,000 reward for the capture of those responsible, down from $100,000 in past years.

A report from the FCUSA covers the fur farmer’s version of how the raid was discovered:

The attack was discovered when the family dogs started barking in the pre-dawn hours, apparently interrupting the raid, as evidence gathered at the site points to a hasty escape by the attackers.

The fur industry in Iowa

The current breakdown of the Iowa fur farming industry is:

17 mink farms (USDA statistics)

8 known fox farms (number confirmed or believed to be open as of 2009)

1 feed supplier (located in Jewell)

One of the fur farms – the Klingbeil Mink Farm in Remsen – is currently up for sale. A website has been set up to promote the sale of the farm: www.iowaminkfarmforsale.com

History of Iowa Animal Liberation Front fur farm raids

According to the list of fur farm raids, this is the third fur farm raided in Jewell, and the last known fur farm in Jewell that has not been raided. One – the Scott Nelson mink farm – was forced to shut down after the ALF raided it twice in one week. In addition to animal releases, the Hawkeye Mink Cooperative (a short distance from the Palmer Erickson farm) was broken into in 2003. Thousands of documents containing fur farm addresses and other info were confiscated in that raid.

Iowa fur farm raid list:

October 19th, 1997
Circle K Farm
Sioux City, Iowa
5,000 mink, 100 fox liberated (more…)

Over 1,000 Mink Liberated in Iowa

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FBI investigating a mink liberation last night in Jewell, Iowa.

Information is sparse, but this morning I received a call that the FBI is making the rounds in Iowa, investigating a mink release that happened last night in Jewell. A few media reports have confirmed the information, estimating the number of mink released at 1,200 to 1,500.

The information available as of now does not identify the farm, but there are two known fur farms in Jewell:

Palmer Erickson
3374 Saratoga Avenue
Jewell, IA 50130
(mink and fox)

Isebrands Fur Farm
3221 Queens Avenue
Jewell, IA 50130
(mink)
2,500 mink released by the Animal Liberation Front, 1999

A third farm in Jewell, owned by Scott Nelson, was raided by the ALF twice in one week in 2001. That farm was forced to shut down.

More information posted as it is available.

-Peter Young

Saboteurs Cut Nets and Release 40,000 Fish In California

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Anonymous saboteurs use wire cutters to release thousands of fish from nets

In what may be the largest liberation of animals in U.S. history, nets were cut at a holding pen in the San Francisco bay this week, releasing 40,000 fish into the wild. There has not yet been a claim of responsibility by the Animal Liberation Front or other group.

The police describes how the fish were released:

“(one or more people) came along with essentially what are wire cutters to do this. It was purposeful. Someone knew what they were doing.”

An employee at the institute where the salmon were held says he speculates this may be the act of an animal rights group.

The pens were part of a program run by the Tiburon Salmon Institute, in partnership with a pro-fishing student group at nearby Casa Grande High School. According to Tiburon, the fish were being tended to by the students, who intended to release them into the wild themselves later in the month.

The website for the Tiburon Salmon Institute would seem to corroborate this story, where they take credit for “releasing over a million salmon into our San Francisco Bay” over the last 30 years.

Were the fish going to be released into the wild anyway? There could be a couple of things at work here. The claims that the fish were to be released anyway could be a public relations-oriented lie. Those who cut the nets may not have known the fish were slated to be released in the coming weeks. Or, they could have chosen to risk themselves anyway to give the fish a few extra weeks of freedom, sparing them the psychological suffering of being kept in intense confinement with approximately 40,000 others in a small net.

If this was the act of animal liberators, it would be the largest recorded animal liberation ever in the U.S. The largest previous liberation was the Animal Liberation Front raid of the Drewelow and Sons fur farm in New Hampton, Iowa in 2000; where 14,000 mink were released.

The Tiburon Salmon Institute is now soliciting funds to purchase security cameras.

– Peter Young

Police Investigate Thefts of Hundreds of Pigs From Farms

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Hundreds of pigs vanish after break-ins at at least ten factory farms across the country

Thieves (or liberators?) entered this factory farm by cutting through mesh siding.

Police are looking into a wave of pig “disappearances” at factory farms across the U.S. In the last month, there have been overnight thefts of pigs reported at as many as ten pig farms in Minnesota and Iowa. In one incident, nearly 600 pigs were taken.

Neither police nor the media have openly speculated the thefts could be the work of animal rights activists or the Animal Liberation Front. Instead, theories have focused on theft-for-profit. However each of these “thefts” fit the model of an ALF action, and they raise the question about the possibility these break-ins are a coordinated series of unclaimed Animal Liberation Front raids. It’s an unlikely scenario given the scale and volume of the break-ins, but any wave of animal thefts at factory farms is worth a closer look.

To explain how anyone could get away with such large-scale theft and not be caught, the media has commented on the reality of most pig factory farms: the buildings that often house thousands of pigs are often off gravel roads, “far from most houses and busy towns”.

As many as eight factory farms have been hit in Iowa, with 20 or 30 pigs disappearing at a time. One Iowa sheriff who stated he had rarely heard of pig thefts in his decades on the job, remarked –

“Suddenly we’re plagued with them.”

After one almost undetectable break in where 150 pigs were taken, the owner commented:

“They definitely did their homework, and they definitely knew what they were doing.”

– Peter Young

Fur Company Set on Fire in Idaho

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In the second Northwest fur industry action in 24 hours, an Idaho fur company is set on fire

In an anonymous communique, activists claimed responsibility for drilling a hole in the wall of Rocky Mountain Fur Company Monday morning, pouring flammable liquid inside, and using “ignition devices” to set two buildings on fire.

It was the second major fur industry action in 24 hours. Read about the previous night’s fur farm liberation in Astoria, Oregon here.

The fur company, located just off I-84 in Caldwell, Idaho, sells trapping supplies. It also functions as a raw pelt buyer for trappers. It is located a half mile from the Harris Mink Farm, one of Idaho’s largest fur farms (view satellite image here).

The arson did not destroy the building, according to reports. Damages were estimated by police to be approximately $10,000. The owner says the business will remain open.

The full communique reads:

“”In the early morning hours of September 26th, a visit was paid to the Rocky Mountain Firework & Fur Company, a shop that (quite foolishly) sells both highly flammable and explosive toys, and the chemically-treated skins of thousands of tortured animals (among some other nasty things, like trapping supplies). A hole was drilled into their storage space, and several gallons of fuel were pumped through, as well as multiple other charges being set beneath an adjoining structure. Ignition devices were set to finish up our work, once we were safely on our way. By oppressing innocent life, you’ve lost your rights. We’ve come to take you down a notch. Stay in business, and we’ll be back. Yours truly, The Arson Unit”

– Peter Young

Another Fur Farm Raided: 300 Mink Liberated in Oregon

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Two months before they were slated to be killed by fur farmers, 300 mink were liberated from an Oregon fur farm early Sunday morning. It was the first of two major actions against the northwest fur industry in two nights. 24 hours later, the Rocky Mountain Fur Co. would be set on fire in neighboring Idaho (read article here).

Early Sunday, fur farm owner Carl Salo contacted police and reported mink were running loose on his property. Police estimate the number at 300.

While overall mink farm liberations have declined since the late-1990s, they have surged in Oregon. This was the fourth mink liberation in Astoria alone in the past three years. In July 2010, the Animal Liberation Front took credit for setting fire to to several vehicles and a barn at the Ylipelto mink farm, also in Astoria.

So far, no group has taken responsibility.

– Peter Young

FBI Offers Informant Deal to Former Animal Rights Activist

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A woman was arrested recently by state police on a non-activist charge and received a jail visit – from the FBI. They promised a “deal” in which they could “make all [the charges] go away” if she would work to provide them information about myself other activists.

The woman has not been involved in any public campaigns in approximately 3 years. Her arrest was not activist related, but the FBI took the opportunity to use her imprisonment as leverage to induce cooperation. It is not clear what information the FBI sought. They specifically asked about several activists by name, including myself. The woman refused to talk with them and told them to speak her lawyer.

A little over a year ago I wrote about the increasing trend of police and FBI attempting to exploit conflicts among activists to induce them to provide information. One attempted questioning in Los Angeles was profiled in this article, in which I wrote:

This recent visit is (at least) the fifth case in recent weeks of police and/or the FBI interviewing or attempting to interview activists who have either dropped out or been ostracized. The recent campaign appears to target those viewed as weak links.

Talking to law enforcement will always hurt you and others. The FBI only talks to people for one reason: to put you or another activist in jail. Answering even seemingly benign questions is extremely dangerous. Any information you provide them will incriminate other activists or yourself.  There is one rule: nobody talks, everybody walks.

Educate yourself on why it is never ok to talk with the police or the FBI by reading If An Agent Knocks.

– Peter Young

New Information in Case of Man Arrested Trying to Free a Whale

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Read the police report in the arrest of Chris Lagergren, caught allegedly trying to free a whale

Some new information is coming out about the allegations against the man arrested on vandalism and trespassing charges at the Marine Mammal Conservancy in Florida. News reports have been vague, but have indicated that Chris Lagergren was arrested tampering with a fence in an attempt to free a captive whale. The police report sheds more light on the allegations, which include, among other things:

*The FBI alerted local police that Langraum was in town, was “affiliated” with the Animal Liberation Front, and was going to “attempt to release any caged animals/mammals into their natural habitat”.

*Police had observed Lagergren “for the past two weeks standing on the Hampton Inn property, video taping the Marine Mammal property and its staff”.

*Lagergren and another unidentified male were observed by police vandalizing the whale holding area by “damaging and taking apart the fence which was in the water. The males pulled several PVC pipes and metal rebars out of the water and threw them on the rocks, causing damage to the pieces. Their intentions were to make a hole in the gate to the fenced area”.

The full text of the police report reads as follows:

“On 08-21-2011 at approximately 0416 hours, I responded to the Marine Mammal Conservancy located at 102200 Overseas Highway in Key Largo, Florida in reference to a criminal mischief.
(more…)

Joseph Buddenberg of the AETA 4 Arrested in Santa Cruz

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Update September 15th, 11:30am PST: Joseph has been released on bail. Calls no longer needed.

Joseph Buddenberg being denied vegan food, calls to the jail requested

Just received word that Joseph Buddenberg, formerly of the AETA 4 case, was arrested again on September 14th in Santa Cruz. He is charged with burglary. There is no word on whether the charges are activism related.

A relative of Buddenberg’s stated in an email that Joseph is not receiving vegan meals, and is requesting people call the jail:
831-454-2420.

Update September 15th, 11:30am PST: Joseph has been released on bail. Calls no longer needed.

I can personally testify that phone calls are very influential in winning vegan food for prisoners. Please call and request that Buddenberg be given vegan food.

I will post more details about Joseph’s arrest as I get them.

– Peter Young

Man Arrested For Vandalism at Florida Whale Holding Facility

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Man arrested at gunpoint at Marine Mammal Conservancy, held on $30,000 bail

In a news article short on details, the Keys Net news site is reporting a man has been arrested at a whale holding facility in Key Largo, Florida on four misdemeanor charges. Christopher Lagergren, 41, of Miami is charged with four counts of trespassing and vandalism. He is described as being “affiliated” with the Animal Liberation Front. No specific conduct is alleged, except that the man is accused of tampering with a fence.

Chris posted bond and has been released from jail. He is currently trying to raise money for an attorney.

More details posted as I get them.

– Peter Young

Write the Judge for Accused Animal Liberation Front Prisoner Walter Bond

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Walter Bond requests letters to his judge asking for the lowest possible sentence

Walter is facing sentencing for two Animal Liberation Front arsons: Tandy Leather Factory and Tiburon (foie gras restaurant), both near Salt Lake City. Sentencing is set for October 13th, and Walter Bond is requesting you write a letter to the judge.

From SupportWalter.org:

“Write a letter today to Judge Stewart, requesting the minimum sentence for Walter Bond. Your letter will help to give a more 3-dimensional and personal perspective on the positive character attributes Walter possesses and how highly he is valued by his friends and associates. The judge who handled Walter’s case in Denver made a point to say that she read over 50 letters people like you and me sent her way before handing down the minimum penalty.

Address a formal business letter to:
The Honorable Judge Ted Stewart (more…)

Animal Liberation Front (A.L.F.) Liberates Elk from Oregon Farm

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Animal Liberation Front cuts away fencing, release elk from farm

On the night of August 29th, the Animal Liberation Front raided the Damascus Elk Farm (23255 SE Highway 212) in Clackamas, Oregon. Fencing was stripped away, giving the animals a chance at escape. According to the communique received by the Animal Liberation Press Office, the ALF were forced to make a premature departure in the middle of the raid due to a “disturbance”.

This is the second deer farm raid in Oregon in the past year, and the third ever in the U.S. The previous raid took place in October 2010 at a deer farm in Molalla, Oregon. That action followed the same model: fencing was stripped away from pens, allowing the animals to escape into the surrounding countryside.

The full communique reads:

“On the night of August 29th, a small band of animal liberationists crept quietly onto the property of Damascus Elk Farm located at 23255 SE Highway 212 in Clackamas, OR. This farm raises dozens of Roosevelt Elk for commercial slaughter. Once we made it to the elk pens, wire cutters were used to successfully remove a large section of fencing from one of the pens. Unfortunately due to a disturbance, we had to cut our action short and we were unable to open the remaining pens. The total number of animals (if any) that got away is unknown, but the intent of our action should be made perfectly clear: to prevent directly the violence that is inherent to animal agriculture and to liberate sentient animal back into their native habitat.

Across the country there are thousands of elk and deer being held captive on farms, waiting to be liberated back into the wild. These acts of liberation are generally low risk and can directly save the lives of animals. Elk and deer farms have little to no security and the small size of the industry makes these farms particularly vulnerable to sabotage.

With this act we attempted to remove the last barrier between these wild creatures and their new, free lives. Link by link, these barriers will be dismantled in our society, to create a new ethic of freedom and accountability. Assist us in the struggle for liberation, or stand on the wrong side of history.

For all those imprisoned.  -Animal Liberation Front”