By Michelle Macaluso
Published January 11, 2012
FoxNews.com
Animal rights activists are taking credit for setting fire to and destroying 14 cattle trucks at California’s largest beef producing, feeding and marketing ranches.
The North American Animal Liberation press office posted an anonymous letter on its website from activists claiming full responsibility for the arson.
“We were extremely pleased to see that all 14 trucks ‘were a total loss,’ with some being ‘completely melted to the ground,’” the statement reads.
Mike Casey, vice president of Risk Management and Human Resources for Harris Farms, is confident that authorities will find the culprits.
“Those going out there and claiming responsibility, if the claims are true, we condemn these actions and those responsible will be brought to justice for what they did,” Casey said.
The statement described in detail how they were able to carry out the arson.
“[C]ontainers 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 [10].”
Casey arrived at the scene 45 minutes after the fire had started at about 4 a.m. on Sunday morning. By the time he arrived, the fire department had doused the flames and the equipment was destroyed.
“They either know what they were doing or we’re extremely lucky. If it is an organized effort or random act of violence, it is troubling and senseless. It does not affect our business, and this is a noneffective way to make their voice heard,” Casey said.
But the activist group believes their actions are justified.
“We’re not delusional enough to believe that this action will shut down the [H]arris feeding company, let alone have any effect on factory farming as a whole. [B]ut we maintain that this type of action still has worth,” the statement reads.
While the Animal Liberation Front is not claiming direct responsibility for the fire, the organization provides a platform on their website for animal rights activists.
Casey said Harris Ranch has received the support of the farming, beef and feeding community. “These business should be outraged by what happened, and we are grateful for the support,” he said.
“I think it’s crazy. I don’t really know what they think they are accomplishing. They say they want better rights for animals but what did burning 14 trucks do for them?” said Cynthia Herrin, a resident in Fresno County.
Casey told Foxnews.com that some of the trucks that were destroyed from the fire had sleeper units where truck drivers can sleep during off time, but none was occupied at the time of the fire.
“Not something that happens often, but it could [have] easily killed or seriously injured somebody,” he said.
The Fresno County Sheriff Department is leading the investigation along with several agencies including the FBI . The Fresno County Sheriff Department did not immediately return calls to Foxnews.com.
Casey said there will likely be a news conference early next week with further details.