NAIA Newsletter: November 20, 2006

On Monday, November 13, 2006, the US House of Representatives strongly voiced its opposition to animal rights terrorism by passing the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act (S3880, HR4239). The bill was passed by unanimous consent in the Senate on September 30 and now goes to the President.

"This vote is an affirmation of the rule of law — the foundation of our democratic society," says NAIA national director Patti Strand. "We are grateful to Senators Inhofe and Feinstein, and Representative Petri for introducing companion bills in the Senate and House recognizing the threat to our country posed by animal-rights extremists."

The AETA extends protections provided by the 1992-enacted Animal Enterprise Protection Act (AEPA), by prohibiting acts of violence, harassment and intimidation against third-party organizations, businesses and persons that may not work directly with animal-related businesses themselves, but which supply, fund or otherwise engage in business with such enterprises.

"The First Amendment of the Constitution guarantees the right of free speech, not the right to force people out of their legitimate work or enterprises by threatening harm or by committing arson, theft or vandalism," asserts NAIA president, Dr. Larry Katz. "Everyone is entitled to their beliefs and their right to express those beliefs in a peaceful manner. The AETA reinforces that right, while cautioning that 'thug tactics' are unacceptable and will not be tolerated."

NAIA applauds the passage of this act and offers its deep appreciation to the Senators and Representatives who recognize the seriousness of the issues addressed by the AETA.

NAIA also applauds you, the concerned individuals who made your voices heard on this issue. Let your voices resound. NAIA encourages all of you to express your own appreciation to your legislators for their support of the AETA and to reiterate the severity of the issues raised by animal-rights extremism: Extremists have threatened researchers, shareholders and shelter workers; harassed employees' families; damaged homes and facilities; stolen well-cared-for animals, much to their owners' pain and distress; and stripped law-abiding citizens of their sense of personal safety — all to achieve goals that range from ending animal-based research and responsible pet ownership to dominating community animal control programs.

Please take time now to write your Senators and Representatives and thank them for supporting AETA. Then write to President Bush and urge him to sign AETA into law. A link is provided at http://capwiz.com/naiatrust/home/ to help you take these actions.

Press release following passage in the US House of Representatives
Stop Animal Rights Terrorists
Environment and Public Works Committee, US Senate
Video tape of second full committee hearing on Eco-terrorism specifically examining Stop Huntingdon Animal Cruelty (SHAC)
Transcript of October 26, Eco-Terrorism US Senate Hearing
NAIA cheers gangs amendment