Mateusz Perkowski
July 16, 2014 11:30AM
Capital Press (The West’s Ag Website)
Mobile slaughter trucks have again been targeted by animal rights activists. Vandals have apparently damaged more mobile slaughter units in the Northwest, calling it “sabotage” in the name of animal rights.
A “chemical abrasive” and bleach were poured into the fuel tanks of slaughter trucks owned by Wards Custom Meat Cutting in Battleground, Wash., and Bolar Custom Meat Cutting in Castle Rock, Wash., according to anonymous reports on July 14 and 15 in Bite Back, an online magazine that publicizes such incidents.
The most recent vandalism brings to four the number of four mobile slaughter units hit in the Northwest. In June, two trucks owned by slaughter companies were similarly damaged in Stayton, Ore., and Hillsboro, Ore.
In one of the most recent anonymous reports, the vandalism was attributed to ALF — the Animal Liberation Front — and was claimed to be part of a “Freedom Summer 2014.” “Until the last slaughterhouse truck is idled and the last butchers blade is snapped,” the report said.
Terry Ward, owner of slaughter company in Battleground, said his truck began smoking and running terribly after driving about 15 miles on July 15. The truck will be towed to a mechanic for repairs, he said. “They’re not going to put me out of business.”
Capital Press was unable to reach the slaughter company in Castle Rock.
Chris Shoe, owner of the Stayton slaughter company that was targeted in June, said he was contacted by the Department of Homeland Security, which is treating the incidents as domestic terrorism. Capital Press was unable to get a comment from the agency as of press time.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has also been involved and encourages people to call their local FBI office if they have any information. “We are aware of the various incidents and are checking into them,” an FBI spokesperson said.
Jerry Haun, executive secretary of the Northwest Meat Processors Association, said he will ask state authorities to alert licensed mobile slaughter companies about the vandalism. “We’re pretty vulnerable,” he said. “Most of us are in small towns or semi-rural.”