The Anti-Defamation League Recognizes Animal Rights Extremism as a Form of Terrorism

A recent report issued by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) describes the growing threat posed by extremist elements in the animal rights and environmental movements. The ADL is well-respected for its efforts to document the activities of extremists and hate groups to aid law enforcement efforts. The new report, which is available at URL http://www.adl.org/Learn/Ext_US/Ecoterrorism.asp, profiles individuals and organizations responsible for carrying out violent and destructive acts in the name of animal rights and environmental welfare.

Of particular interest to researchers is the notable trend towards extremism in the animal rights movement. Although many people continue to advocate peacefully on behalf of animal welfare, the ADL chronicles the rise of a growing extremist element. One example is the Animal Liberation Front (ALF), a group comprised of anonymous underground “cells” of activists who oppose all animal research. ALF, which grew out of the British animal rights movement, seeks to rescue animals and inflict economic damage on those who are seen as “abusing” them. ALF first appeared in the United States 25 years ago and has since claimed responsibility for hundreds of crimes ranging from releasing animals from research labs or fur farms to mailing letters booby-trapped with razor blades to primate researchers, and from vandalizing to fire-bombing various animal facilities. Of even greater concern is a more recent British import, “Stop Huntingdon Animal Cruelty” or SHAC. SHAC is unique in that its actions have targeted not only the contract research lab Huntingdon Life Sciences, but also companies, suppliers, and financial service organizations that do business with HLS.

The reason these groups came to the ADL’s attention is that they have become progressively more extreme and have broadened their message to include anti-capitalist and anti-government messages. In some cases their communications are becoming so radical that they are taking on anarchist overtones. The internet has facilitated the growth and evolution of these organizations by providing a means for rapid and anonymous dissemination of information. The ADL report also provides links to information on recent events connected with the organizations profiled.