Anti-Domestic Terrorism Legislation

May 26, 2006 -- Groups representing America?s farmers, ranchers and the industries which serve them sent a letter to the members of the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives urging their support of the anti-domestic terrorism legislation being introduced in both chambers.

The legislation amends the federal criminal code to give law enforcement additional authority to protect U.S. food producers, processors, retail outlets and scientists from escalating violence by radical animal-rights activists in the name of animal protection.

The Senate and the House versions of the bill both close the gaps in the law hampering federal authorities who investigate, arrest and prosecute radical animal-rights activists. Drafted with help from counterterrorism experts at the U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, these bills provide penalties for intentional economic damage and disruption, and intentionally causing bodily harm or placing a person in reasonable fear of death or bodily harm. They address third-party targeting, prohibiting intentional damage of property belonging to a person or organization with ties to a legitimate animal enterprise.

The American Sheep Industry Association joined the other agricultural groups in sending this message to the hill.

Staff contact: Peter Orwick, ext. 33