![]() ![]() In addition to damaging computers, microscopes and other equipment in the lab, the group’s members said they took researchers’ videos and pictures of experiments conducted on the animals. “I’m extremely elated that this happened,” he said, noting his tax dollars have contributed to what he called inhumane research carried out on animals at the University. There are no local chapters, but the organization has press offices in Minneapolis, Great Britain and Norway.Īlthough Kjonaas attends the University, he said he is pleased that the organization targeted research labs on this campus and sent such a strong message through economic destruction. Kjonaas, who denies any involvement in the burglaries, said ALF has been active for 25 years. But he did not know who committed the vandalism, because of the anonymous nature of all ALF raids. The Animal Liberation Front press office serves as the mouthpiece of the organization to promote the actions of members, Kjonaas said. According to a report broadcast Tuesday night, University officials estimate the damages to exceed $3.5 million. ![]() University officials said Monday the vandalism will seriously threaten research for cancer, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. If the vandals are found, federal charges may be brought forth pursuant to a federal statute on animal terrorism passed in 1992. University Police Chief Joy Rikala said investigators are following a number of leads but no arrests were pending as of Tuesday. The University Police, the state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and the FBI are investigating the burglaries that occurred sometime around 5 a.m. He said the office received an anonymous e-mail message Monday that read: “The following animals will never be harmed again at the hands of vivisectors: 27 pigeons, 48 mice, 36 rats and 5 salamanders.” He also belongs to the Student Organization for Animal Rights (SOAR), an on-campus group. Kevin Kjonaas, a political science senior, said he works at the non profit organization along with three other volunteers at a Minneapolis office. He said he did not know the locations of the homes. ![]() An international animal rights activist group known as the Animal Liberation Front claimed responsibility Monday night for the vandalism of 12 research labs via an e-mail message sent to their group’s press office in Minneapolis.Ī University student who serves as the spokesman for the organization said members took 116 animals from labs in Elliott Hall and the Lions Research Building and brought them to private homes and sanctuaries. ![]()
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