For Immediate Release
For Further Information Contact: Philip Lobo, Communications Director
Phone: (703) 562-5160
Date: 11/16/2006

Landmark Bill Passes Targeting Animal Rights Terrorism
Bill Closes Loopholes, Provides Tougher Penalties
November 16, 2006 - On November 13, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act, which strengthens laws dealing with criminal acts against animal enterprises, including farms, meat processors and animal research facilities. The bill, which provides much needed enhancements to the Animal Enterprise Protection Act of 1992, is expected to be signed by the President.

The Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act closes loopholes in the previous act by penalizing attacks against tertiary targets. It also addresses key concerns of law enforcement who have waged an uphill battle to prevent, investigate and prosecute acts of animal rights terrorism. The Act was passed by unanimous consent by the U.S. Senate on September 30. The Animal Agriculture Alliance (Alliance) is thrilled at the legislature's recognition that the dedicated people who devote their lives to providing food for the nation deserve the protection that this law provides.

''In the past year death threats have been used in animal rights campaigns in both Arizona and South Dakota,'' say Alliance Executive Vice President, Kay Johnson. ''We are aware of one made in Minneapolis just recently. Worse yet, here in the USA and in the United Kingdom the use of firebombs has also become far too common. In one instance, the bomb was left at the wrong house. Members of law enforcement and animal rights groups have both acknowledged that it is just a matter of time before people are killed. Our belief is that this much needed-law will save more than one life by making some animal rights and environmental zealots think twice before engaging in such illegal and unethical activities.''

The Animal Agriculture Alliance, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, is a broad-based coalition of individual producers, producer organizations, suppliers, packer-processors, private industry and retailers. The Alliance's mission is to communicate the important role of animal agriculture to our nation's economy, productivity, vitality, security and that animal well-being is central to producing safe, high-quality, affordable food and other products essential to our daily lives.