Activists Charged With “Domestic Terrorism” For Releasing Animals From Captivity

1024px-Mink_in_the_parkThis week, two animal rights activists were arrested by the FBI and charged under federal “domestic terrorism laws,” after they set thousands of animals free from fur farms. 31-year-old Joseph Buddenburg and 28-year-old Nicole Kissane are now facing up to 10 years in prison under the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act, which specifically targets animal rights activists.

The two are accused of freeing thousands of animals over the past several years, which allegedly cost fur companies hundreds of thousands of dollars. Among those animals that were released were mostly mink, but it was also reported that they released at least one bobcat.

U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of California Laura Duffy equated their actions with terrorism in a recent statement.

“Whatever your feelings about the fur industry, there are legal ways to make your opinions known. The conduct alleged here, sneaking around at night, stealing property and vandalizing homes and businesses with acid, glue, and chemicals, is a form of domestic terrorism and can’t be permitted to continue,” Duffy said.

The suspects were reportedly caught in a federal investigation involving multiple government agencies.

“Today’s indictment represents the collective efforts of several FBI Joint Terrorism Task Forces (JTTF) around the country. The FBI and our JTTF partners will continue to investigate and seek the prosecution of those who engage in similar criminal conduct for the purpose of advancing their own personal agenda,” Eric S. Birnbaum, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s San Diego Field Office said.

Perhaps it would have been reasonable for the group to be charged with destruction of property, or other petty crimes that would not carry such steep prison sentences, but should they really be charged as terrorists? What do you think?


John Vibes writes for True Activist and is an author, researcher and investigative journalist who takes a special interest in the counter culture and the drug war.

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