There are any number of social, economic or political changes that might contribute to an increase in attacks by environmental extremists. Issues surrounding animal rights, environmental protection, off-shore drilling or fracking are sensitive issues with strong proponent and opposition arguments. Governmental actions, such as the relaxation of current legislation or the legalization of controversial processes, may trigger deep rooted feelings and cause groups, such as the Earth Liberation Front, to take matters into their own hands. Present in the U.S. since 1996, the Earth Liberation Front (ELF) is touted as “an ideologically aligned network of autonomous, decentralized nodes, who share a strategic and tactical vision” (Loadenthal, 2014, p. 17) and “carry out direct action in defense of the planet” (ALF, n.d., p. NA). There is little doubt that the controversial practice of fracking, including the
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Although, public outrage to these types of incidents are common, the Animal Liberation Front (ALF) would argue that had this animal not been captive in the first place, this may not have happened. The ALF claims its mission is “to effectively allocate resources (time and money) to end the "property" status of nonhuman animals” (ALF, n.d., p. NA) through the abolition of “institutionalized animal exploitation” (ALF, n.d., p. NA). Although incidents similar to this have happened in the past, they have generally ended on positive notes. This week’s incident may jumpstart the ALF into action. While the group has generally been involved with attacking or freeing animals from research facilities, we may see the group branch out to include zoos and wildlife parks in an attempt to reach their stated goals and prevent similar incidents in the
Although, public outrage to these types of incidents are common, the Animal Liberation Front (ALF) would argue that had this animal not been captive in the first place, this may not have happened. The ALF claims its mission is “to effectively allocate resources (time and money) to end the "property" status of nonhuman animals” (ALF, n.d., p. NA) through the abolition of “institutionalized animal exploitation” (ALF, n.d., p. NA). Although incidents similar to this have happened in the past, they have generally ended on positive notes. This week’s incident may jumpstart the ALF into action. While the group has generally been involved with attacking or freeing animals from research facilities, we may see the group branch out to include zoos and wildlife parks in an attempt to reach their stated goals and prevent similar incidents in the