Animal Rights....and Wrongs

Animal Rights Extremists & Terrorism

New Legislation in the UK to Protect People from Animal Rights Extremists

The United Kingdom has announced that it will crack down on animal rights extremists who intimidate and harass legitimate businesses. In her speech to Parliament on November 23rd, the Queen stated that a new bill "will introduce new measures to deal with harassment by animal rights extremists. The draft legislation will propose significant strengthening of police powers to tackle protests outside people's homes and help stop the harassment of companies. See the joint Home Office/Department of Trade and Industry paper, "Animal Welfare: Humane Rights - protecting people from animal rights extremists" at http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/n_story.asp?item_id=1046.

Animal Rights Terrorism a Growing Concern in the US

Terrorism in the name of animal and environmental protection is a growing concern for law enforcement in the United States. During the past two decades, radical environmental and animal rights groups have claimed responsibility for hundreds of crimes and acts of terrorism, including arson, bombings, vandalism and harassment, causing more than $100 million in damage. This prompted one FBI official earlier this year to label such groups, "...the most active criminal extremist elements in the United States."

While some activists have been captured, ecoterror cells - small and loosely affiliated - are extremely difficult to identify and most attacks remain unsolved. A new Anti-Defamation League report examines the threat currently posed by ecoterrorists, including the major organizations and individuals. For further information, visit the Anti-Defamation League website at http://www.adl.org/Extremism.

Seal of Approval

Bravo to the Honourable John Efford for wearing his handsome sealskin parka to his first Cabinet meeting after being appointed Minister of Natural Resources. And Bravo to the Honourable David Anderson, our re-appointed Environment Minister, for his statement of support that he would wear one too if he were lucky enough to own such a jacket.

We are fortunate to have politicians such as these who support our natural renewable resource industries and the hard-working people involved in them. Mr. Efford’s jacket is made from spotted, silvery-grey seal fur harvested humanely under Fisheries and Oceans regulations. What a great boost for our sealers down home in Newfoundland and Labrador, and those throughout the North, who are constantly bombarded by self-righteous animal rights activists, and looked down upon by others who are easily influenced by modern-day, misleading “urban ethics.”

Doug Pollock, a member of our Board of Directors and former Executive Vice-Chairman, also proudly wears the sealskin jacket presented to him last winter by Bruce Williams, upon his retirement, as a gift for his many years of service to the Institute. The jacket was custommade by Irma Paytler of Rosamori, Montreal.

“I love wearing my sealskin jacket,” said Mr. Pollock. “It is one-of-a-kind and I wear it with pride. It’s durable and attractive and it sure keeps me warm on cold winter days in Ottawa.”

RCMP Muskrat Fur Hats

Research into possible alternatives for the RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) standard winter-issue muskrat fur hats received a lot of national and international media attention. This work was prompted by pressure from animal rights groups.

Latest information is a letter from former Solicitor General of Canada, Wayne Easter, to Milton Freeman, a well known Canadian conservationist:

“Canada, as a signatory to the Agreement on International Humane Trapping Standards, reflects this country’s commitment to animal welfare. The RCMP informs me that although alternative sources of material for the winter hat have been tested, to this date no other material has equalled the quality of muskrat fur for warmth, water repellency, comfort and appearance.”