January 10, 2012The fire broke out early Sunday morning. 14 tractors and several trailers were destroyed, some completely melted to the ground. The Fresno County Sheriff’s Department called it arson.
KSEE24 News received an anonymous e-mail claiming responsibility for it. It reads, “Despite guards, a constant worker presence and razor wire fence, the enemy is still vulnerable.”
The e-mail was also sent to the Animal Liberation Press Office, an animal rights group. Spokesperson Nicole Sheen explained why she believes Harris Ranch was targeted, “These individuals believe these cows have a right to live a life, free of exploitation, not used for the industry’s selfish purposes.”
The Sheriff’s Department suspected arson from the beginning. Deputy Chris Curtice said, “They called in arson investigators immediately so there is something there that led them to know that it is arson.”
Our anonymous source also has a description as to how the fire was started. The statement reads, “Containers of accelerant were placed beneath a row of 14 trucks with four digital timers used to light four of the containers and kerosene-soaked rope carrying the fire to the other ten.”
Sheen, with the Animal Liberation Press Office said this might be just the beginning, “They know it won’t shut the industry down but it’s a warning to the industry that there will possibly be more actions because the communique was left open ended.”
The Sheriff’s Department is looking into the e-mail’s claims. The Animal Liberation Press Office said it isn’t involved in illegal activity.