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Animal Liberation Front
Synopsis. The Animal Liberation Front (ALF) is an international, underground leaderless
resistance that engages in illegal direct action in pursuit of animal liberation. Activists
see themselves as a modern-day Underground Railroad, removing animals from laboratories
and farms, destroying facilities, arranging safe houses and veterinary care, and operating
sanctuaries where the animals live out the rest of their lives.
In 1976, Ronnie Lee founded ALF after serving prison time for his activities with Band of
Mercy, an anti-hunting group. ALF aims to: Inflict economic damage on those who exploit
animals. Liberate animals from abuse in laboratories, factory farms, etc. By non-violent action,
reveal atrocities committed against animals. Take precautions against harming humans and
non-humans; It is active internationally (40+ countries); It is Leaderless; cells of groups
of friends or just one person; Its Activists claim to be non-violent, hurting no one; Its
Tactics include vandalism, arson, kidnapping, threats
Here's examples of an ALF poster and graffiti.
Notable activity by ALF includes 1976 -- ALF founded by Ronnie Lee; 1970s -- ALF caused
over £250,000 worth of damage in UK; 1980s -- Positive public perception followed by
quick decline due to increased use of violence; 1982 -- Letter bombs sent to UK political
leaders; 1985 -- Raid on University of California, Riverside $700,000 worth of damage, liberated
468 animals; 1987 -- Arson at University of California, Davis Animal Lab $5.1 million
in damage, ALF's costliest attack to date. 1992 -- Arson at Michigan State University,
$1.2 million in damages; 1997 -- Arson again at University of California, Davis.; 2006
-- U.S. indicted nine American and two Canadian ALF activists with domestic terrorism charges