By ADA SLIVINSKI, QMI AGENCY
Email: ada.slivinski@sunmedia.ca
The animal rights group behind attacks on Vancouver fur businesses says store owners can expect more assaults.
“I would fully expect (the attacks) to continue and perhaps escalate,’’ said Jerry Vlasak, spokesman for the Animal Liberation Front, based in Los Angeles.
“We don’t really care what the law says. We care about what’s right.”
Recently Snowflake Furs and Spieser Furs both had a noxious substance that smelled like sour milk sprayed through their mail slots. The individuals responsible remain anonymous but the Animal Liberation Front claimed responsibility.
It’s just the latest in a series of attacks. Snowflake has been targeted three times in the last year.
Megan Halprin, the store’s co-owner, said she is afraid of what she’ll find when she arrives at work in the morning.
Activists have also targeted her home. Bleach was poured on the front lawn and “murderer lives here” written in chalk on her driveway.
Vlasak said he supports these acts by the Vancouver branch. He compares the treatment of animals in the fur industry to racism and homophobia.
“At one time it was legal to own and enslave black people,’’ he said.
Vlasak believes human rights should not supersede animal rights and promises to use whatever means necessary to fight for this cause.
Vancouver police are asking for the public’s help in identifying those responsible.
“These people are committing criminal acts,’’ said Const. Lindsey Houghton of the Vancouver Police Department. “They’re committing mischief, perhaps worse, if they’re involved in other incidents. We want it stopped and we want to be able to hold the people responsible accountable.’’