In the News-
2002
11/02 HUNT ACTION
"During November 2002, a male fox hound belonging to a Country Meath Hunt was liberated and rehomed. This dog, when seen by a vet, was covered in ticks, fleas and lice. And also had lumps all over his body. The dog has now settled in happily with his new family."
2003
9/2/03imal Liberation Front Raids Co.Laois Fur Farm
For Immediate Release – 19/02/03
In the early morning hours of Wednesday 19th February 03 the Animal Liberation Front removed sections of a perimeter fence surrounding a mink farm based in Ballymanus, Stradbally Co.Laois. Upon entering the premises we opened the cages of approximately 1,000 animals, allowing them to disperse freely and safely along the router of the Grand Canal.
Our motivation was that of putting compassion over greed, of pity over barbarity and freedom over exploitation. Fur farm farming has no place in any “progressive” society. Mink, who naturally roam up to 6 kilometres a day and spend 60% of their active time hunting and playing in water are confined to bar cages no longer than one’s arm. They are known to defend their territory with a radius of 6 kilometres, but on fur farms are forced to withstand the presence of up to 45,00 other mink in close proximity.
Steriotpies acts of repetitive abnormal behaviour (such as constant pacing or circling of the cage, gnawing of bars, etc.) were of course prominent. Although we witnessed a greater evidence of their suffering.
Many animals bore self-inflicted flesh wounds and mutilations to the extreme that some had had actually chewed off their own tails, Disease was rampant. A number of animals appeared to be missing large turfs of fur from their bodies. Dead and rotting mink littered the compounds and piles of excretement lay beneath each cage – hardly fitting highly sensitive to the presence of others.
When their time comes the mink will be removed from their cages, thrown en masse into a gas chamber, suffocated and skinned. BOC Gases are the providers of the lethal carbon monoxide to this concentration camp.
No doubt there will be those who will criticise our action in the belief that the freed mink will destroy local wildlife populations, however we would not have taken such actions were this to be true. Irish mink expert, Chris Small, states, “mink ultimately control their own numbers… wherever a mink establish themselves the numbers soon stabilize… May of the prey species taken by mink are well able to sustain the pressure that the new predator puts upon their populations. The mink takes its place alongside the country’s native predators and does not merit its somewhat bloodthirsty reputation.
While Europe is making animal welfare progress, Ireland stays behind. Austria, the UK, Scotland and Northern Ireland have already outlawed the practice of fur farming while Sweden, Switzerland and Italy have effectively banned it through tough preventative legislation and other countries (such as Holland, Germany and Norway) are now considering a total ban. Meanwhile the Irish Government chooses to ignore such considerations.
If the major centre and left parties of Holland, a country with 2.9 million mink on 208 farms, press for a complete ban (it has already banned fox and chinchilla farming) then Irish with 140,000 mink and 1,700 fox on 5 farms has no excuse that banning this cruelty would have anything more than negligible economic repercussions.
Currently no licence is required for farming of fox in Ireland, while for mink the license agreement does not take animal welfare into issue. Indeed, the Irish government is actively supporting the practice by supplying yearly grants to many of Ireland’s fur farms. When the rest of Europe prohibits fur farming, will Ireland be the only haven that allows it?
We have taken this action to highlight the government’s inaction. Minister Joe Walsh is a puppet to agri-business – too cowardly and too biased to allow animal cruelty to be an issue when 64% of the population is opposed to the practice of fur farming.+ We refuse this to continue. This is the first animal liberation action against fur farming but as long as fur farming remains legal we shall be here…
When darkness falls.
A.L.F."
29/5/03 SQUIRREL SAFETY ACTION
Press Statement from Animal Liberation Ireland
On the 29th May Animal Liberation Front activists rendered over 40 Squirrel Traps inoperable in Clongoswood College grounds in
Clane,Co. Kildare.
Squirrels have been caught in these crude devices and killed under the guise of a 'survey' initiated by the Environment Protection Agency and the Zoology Department of Trinity College Dublin.
Squirrels were found jumping and throwing themselves against the walls of these traps, some were wounded. Both the squirrels and also birds caught in these traps were severely distressed. A note attached to these traps by the person assigned to carry this out cruel act urges others to borrow these traps and do
likewise.
A message saying "NO TRAPPING signed the ALF" was sprayed on a building nearby.
The ALF is observing this situation and will continue to destroy any traps found in this wood and in either of the other two areas in Co. Kildare included in the survey.
Beautiful animals have a right to live in peace The ALF will not hesitate to act on their behalf.
Until all are free, the ALF.
20/6/03 CIRCUS SIGNS
"Circus Vegas, who are touring Ireland at the moment, had their signs pasted with Cancelled stickers late last night. And other signs were removed. One large sign was sprayed with the initials A.L.F. This circus has been the subject of similar actions over the past few months by the Animal Liberation Front because of it's use of animals."
8/7/03CIRCUS SIGNS
"In the early hours of this morning, July 8th, Circus Vegas was paid a visit by the ALF during it's stay in Celbridge, Ireland, because of it's use of animals. The majority of the direction signs and advertising posters were removed. Large metal signs had red paint poured over them and one of their trucks had brake-fluid thrown across it. Signs were pasted around the Celbridge area, by the ALF, informing local residents of the reasons why they should boycott this circus. Circus Vegas has been targetted several times before and will continue to be targetted as long as they continue to use animals."
22/7/03
From the ALF Ireland Press Office:
"In the early hours of this morning, July 8th 2003 ,Circus Vegas was paid a visit by the ALF during it's stay in Celbridge,Ireland, because of it's use of animals.
The majority of the direction signs and advertising posters were removed.
Large metal signs had red paint poured over them and one of their trucks had brake-fluid thrown across it.
Signs were pasted around the Celbridge area, by the ALF, informing local residents of the reasons why they should boycott this circus.
Circus Vegas has been targetted several times before and will continue to be targetted as long as they continue to use animals.
ALF Ireland's message to Circus Vegas is that the ALF is not clowning around. The ALF will not allow animals to be seen as entertainment objects. "
2004
01/04 CIRCUS ACTION
January 2004 Circus Vegas,
Signs advertising this Circus were removed from roadsides and a large truck was spraypainted whilst parked on the site in the east of the Country.
11/1/04
"BROILER FARM RAID and CHICKEN (RUN) LIBERATION IN COUNTY KILDARE. "Ginger and Rocky set free."
Early on Friday morning the premises of Enfield Broiler Breeders in Celbridge was entered by Animal Liberation Front activists.(ALF)
Five massively overcrowded tin sheds held thousands of grossly overfed chickens, nearing their slaughter age of 42 days. Struggling birds were crammed together lying in their own excrement on the ground. Many could not stand . Their legs which do not keep pace with their rapidly growing body weight often buckle and snap under the strain of supporting it.There are 68 million broiler birds reared here annually, millions suffer painfull leg disorders.
In contrast the 'breeding flock' are fed tiny rations to slow growth rate, these in contrast suffer chronic hunger.
These 'broiler birds' are fed drugs to grow more quickly and increase weight and overfed to increase breeders profits, no concern is given to the suffering inflicted on them.
The flightless birds live their short lives without ever seeing daylight or feeling grass beneath their feet. The sight on opening the shed doors was one of gross cruelty and neglect.Farm staff only enter the sheds to remove the dead birds, feeding is automated.
'TWO SAD COMPANIONS LAY HUDDLED IN THE CORNER. WE THOUGHT THEY WERE DEAD AS THEY DID NOT MOVE WHEN WE TOUCHED THEM. THEY SEEMED OBLIVIOUS TO US AND PROPPED EACH OTHERS HEAVY BODIES UP. WE LIFTED THE HEAVY WARM BODIES AND GENTLY CARRIED THEM AWAY TO FREEDOM , MERELY AS A TOKEN TO THE THOUSANDS OF OTHERS WE WERE UNABLE TO SAVE.'
Ginger and Rocky (as we named them after the characters in the film Chicken Run), are now free. They will live the remainder of their lives in natural surroundings without exploitation and suffering.
Attachments to this email shows them adjusting to fresh air, grass and the freedom to just 'be'.
Also shown is an activist holding Ginger.
*A legal attempt to end factory broilers has failed in the High Court.Commercial interests were put ahead of animal needs.
The ALF will continue the battle on behalf of other species until all are free. We will be entering other abuse establishments and increasing our efforts to highlight other intensive farming practices.We will be urging other groups to call on the Department of Agriculture, the ISPCA and Gardai to investigate breaches of the Law that require animals to be treated in a way that promotes 'a positive state of well being'.
*Enfield Broiler Farm, Hazeltatch Road. Celbridge Co kildare.est 1974,
Owned by Janice and John Mawer.(directors), also they are directors of Glengarm Hatcheries in Co.Monaghan,
Ph 01 6288438 "
13/6/04 CIRCUS SIGNS DESTROYED
"The Vegas Circus in County Meath had an unexpected visit from the Animal Liberation Front last night. Before their performances even started all of their promotional and directional signs were removed and destroyed. These signs were mostly on main roads, some being over eight foot long.
This action was carried out because Circus Vegas use animals in their performances, wild animals should not be forced to carry out unnatrural tricks and actions for entertainment, animals belong in their natural habitat and not in wagons or cages, The cruelty in circuses takes place in secret during the training of the animals. The small spaces allowed to the animals is cruel and inhumane. There is no reason why circusers should need animals unless they are void of enough human talent to attract visitors.
The ALF will continue to target Circuses with animal acts. ...until all are free."
5/10/04 GREYHOUND STADIUM ACTION
"KERRY FOOD'S BILLBOARDS IN GREYHOUND STADIUMS IN IRELAND HAVE BEING HIT. ALF ACTIVISTS DECIDED TO DAMAGE HUGE BILLBOARDS BELONGING TO KERRY FOODS INSIDE THE LIMERICK GREYHOUND STADIUM THIS WEEK.
LIMERICK GREYHOUND STADIUM,
GARRYOWEN, LIMERICK CITY.
THIS ACTION IS FOR THE THOUSANDS OF MISFORTUNATE GREYHOUNDS THAT DIE EVERY YEAR - MESSAGE TO THE GREYHOUND INDUSTRY IN IRELAND - WE WILL BE BACK AND KERRY FOODS STOP SPONSORING ANIMAL ABUSE."
16/10/04 CIRCUS ACTION
"On the opening night of the dare devils circus in mallow co cork, ireland, ALF activists completely removed and destroyed huge billboards and posterboards. The message to this circus and others that use innocent defenceless animals, it wont be billboards the next time, so watch the fuck out.
12/11/04 FOSSETS CIRCUS HIT.
"Signs advertising Fossets circus in Booterstown were pasted with 'cancelled' stickers to deter people from attending the circus. Many of these were in the Tallaght area.
We will continue to target travelling shows with animals as wild animals, especially elephants who in their natural habitat would roam up to 40 miles a day are subjected to strict confinement by leg chains in tents for up to 23 hours a day.
12/11/04 GREYHOUND TRACK ACTION
"The Animal Liberation Front entered Shelbourne Park Racing track undetected in broad daylight and blocked up the toilets in the main building. This action was in protest at the slaughter of thousands of Greyhounds at the hands of Bord na gCon. Actions against Greyhound tracks will continue until racing is ended.
7/12/04 BIRD LIBERATION
"In the early hours of last week, members of Animal Liberation Front scaled high fenced walls and entered a wild bird holding cell in limerick city. These wild birds have being wild caught and would of eventually being either bred or sold on. Whilst inside we managed to open the cages and free all birds inside the cages, all escaped the prision inside.
animal liberation works!
ALF IRELAND"
8/12/04
"TURKEY RUN.....CHICKEN RUN......
The Animal liberation has carried out two raids over the last few weeks on intensive poultry breeding farms in Counties Louth and Kildare.
Eight overweight white Chickens were liberated from Enfield Broiler Breeders in Allenwood South,Co Kildare owned by John Mawer (who also owned a farm in Celbridge which was raided in January 2004 by the ALF).
Video footage was taken of overcrowded conditions and birds were suffering from pecking and feather loss. excrement was caked on their feathers. A wheelie bin at the premises waiting to be collected by Allied Waste was full of dead and decomposing birds,victims of the intense method of breeding employed by Mr Mawer.The unfortunate birds never see daylight and spend their short lives in artificial conditions, being fed growth promoting hormones to increase their weight and value.They only leave the hot stinking sheds to go to the slaughterhouse.The shed floors are only cleaned out when a batch of birds complete their cycle of life. Eight birds left with the rescuers through a half opened door.
The Large intensive breeding facilities of David Russell, Monknewtown, Slane were monitored for some weeks as Turkeys for the Christmas table were emptied out of the massive sheds and shuttled to John Horgans Farm in Cortown, Kells for killing.Again a large Wheelie Bin outside the premises held the weaker birds who had died in the sheds.
The workers who are paid for speed but not care, carried the birds roughly by the legs when they reached their required size, their wings were flapping as they were literally stuffed into the containers on the truck.
As the truck left the farm and drove away their wings and some of their feet were stuck out of the confined cages. Sadly, A trail of feathers kept flying out as they were driven to their deaths.The birds had covered the floors of the dark stinking sheds side by side resembling a white carpet. Rescuers took Ten young turkeys from the hot shed that housed thousands. Amonia stung their eyes from the excrement that covered the floor. Again this situation resembled a concentration camp.....no species deserves this treatment.
The ALF will continue to target animal abuse until all are free."
2005
"The Association of Hunt Saboteurs last night received a telephone call from a spokesperson representing the Animal Liberation Front in Ireland. The Animal Liberation Front is a direct action animal rights group.
The spokesperson was informing us that an Animal Liberation Front unit has attacked the hare-coursing venue, Powerstown Park Racecourse, Clonmel Co.Tipperary on Saturday night - 8/01/05.
In a two-hour operation, ALF members spread nails and tacks on the hare-coursing field of the racecourse and at the entrance to the venue. A number of incendiary devices were also placed around the racecourse.
The ALF spokesperson said the further attacks were planned on this venue in the run up to the National Hare Coursing Finals to be held in late January early February 2005.
The spokesperson said that war had been declared on animal abusers in Ireland."
12/1/05 CHICKEN LIBERATION
"The Animal liberation (ALF Ireland) has carried out two raids over the last few weeks on intensive poultry breeding farms in counties Louth and Kildare. Eight overweight white Chickens were liberated from Enfield Broiler Breeders in Allenwood South,Co Kildare owned by John Mawer (who also owns a farm in Celbridge which was raided in January 2004 by the ALF).
Video footage was taken of overcrowded conditionsand birds were suffering from pecking and feather loss. excrement was caked on their feathers.
A wheelie bin at the premises waiting to be collected by Allied Waste was full of dead and decomposing birds,victims of the intense method of breeding employed by Mr Mawer.
The unfortunate birds never see daylight and spend their short lives in artificial conditions, being fed growth promoting hormones to increase their weight and value.
They only leave the hot stinking sheds to go to the slaughterhouse.The shed floors are only cleaned out when a batch of birds complete their cycle of life. Eight birds left with the rescuers through a half opened door.
The Large intensive breeding facilities of David Russell, Monknewtown, Slane were monitored for some weeks as Turkeys for the Christmas table were emptied out of the massive sheds and shuttled to John Horgans Farm in
Cortown, Kells for killing.
Again a large Wheelie Bin outside the premises held the weaker birds who had died in the sheds. The workers who are paid for speed but not care, carried the birds roughly by the legs when they reached their required size, their wings were flapping as they were literally stuffed into the containers on the truck.As the truck left the farm and drove away their wings and some of their feet were stuck out of the confined cages. Sadly, A trail of feathers kept flying out as they were driven to their deaths.
The birds had covered the floors of the dark stinking sheds side by side resembling a white carpet. Rescuers took Ten young turkeys from the hot shed that housed thousands. Ammonia stung their eyes from the excrement that covered the floor. Again this situation resembled a concentration camp.....no species deserves this treatment.
The ALF will continue to target animal abuse until all are free."
24/01/05 Activists threaten to firebomb hare coursing events
By John Breslin
MEMBERS of a militant animal rights organisation are reported to be planning a series of firebomb attacks on hare coursing events and those who support the sport here.
The Animal Liberation Front, a direct action group that has carried out attacks in Britain and the US, said it has acquired incendiary devices and intends to use them against targets in Ireland.
It is claimed Limerick property owned by JP McManus, the racing tycoon, may be among the targets because he sponsors hare coursing events.
ALF's communications officer, London-based Robin Webb, confirmed there are "very strong indications" activists had acquired devices to use against property and people linked to bloodsports in Ireland.
Mr Webb said he does not have direct knowledge of any specific planned attack. However, he added that his organisation's main objective is to cause damage that would have severe and dramatic economic implications for individuals linked to "animal cruelty" in Ireland.
He attacked Mr McManus who sponsors a three-day event to be held at Limerick Racecourse next month for backing a "cruel and barbaric sport".
"ALF members will have no problem carrying out an arson attack on any of his properties," Mr Webb said.
Hare coursing is split into two types, open and enclosed. There are 78 closed courses, which are regulated by the Irish Coursing Club (ICC). The hares are chased around the track by muzzled greyhounds.
On open courses, fields, the dogs are not muzzled. There have been calls from politicians for the sport to be banned.
ICC chief executive Gerry Desmond said he is aware of the threats. The organisation is taking them seriously and security will be tightened at events. He confirmed gardaí are investigating.
"These people are known to be extremely violent so we are treating this as a priority.
"What these people are doing is little else than criminal bullying and intimidating people who choose to support a sporting activity that they do not like."
However, the Irish Council against Blood Sports said the sport involves "the terrorising of one animal by another and is full of unnecessary cruelty and killing". The hare is used as a live lure and every year thousands suffer stress, injury and death, says the council.
A garda spokesperson said the force takes threats such as these very seriously and will be monitoring them through intelligence, and any specific information will be acted upon.
20/2/05 HUNT ACTION
"Two large twenty foot long signs advertising the Fingal Harriers Hunt (hunter trials) were removed from fly-overs in County Dublin in February 2005.
These events raise finances to promote Hunting. The ALF will continue to target such events until all hunting is banned in Ireland.
A foxhound found straying after a hunt in County Kildare was rescued and happily rehomed with a family. This dog would have been killed by the hunt along with others who had become surplus to requirements. Every season new hounds are added to the pack to replace older dogs that are of no further use. He can now live out his life fully.
11/5/05 SHOOTING ACTIONS
Shooters arrived back to their cars today in North County Dublin, Ireland, to find their locks had been superglued and paintwork had been keyed with the initials "ALF". This is the second warning they have received. Next time it will be more than their windows and paintwork that will need replacing.
This is a warning to all you scumbags. "Continue shooting and you will be
a target of the Animal Liberation Front!"
31/5/05 SHOOTING ACTIONS
"A fishing/shooting store in Lucan, Co. Dublin was targeted by the Animal Liberation Front in the early hours of this morning. The shutters, which display a badly painted scene of fishing and shooting, have now been artistically altered with bright red paint displaying the initials "ALF".
Many passers-by will have the pleasure today of witnessing the artistic ability of the animal rights movement, as we jammed the locks on the shutters with match sticks, bits of metal and superglue.
Profit from the suffering and death of animals, and we'll make you suffer. We have only just started. This is a warning to all fishing/shooting stores. You have been warned.
-2/6/05 CIRCUS ACTION
"Dare Devil Circus, 2nd - 6th June, Celbridge, Kildare???? Not if we can help it!!!!
The ALF took action against Dare Devil Circus in the early hours of this morning (31st, May) for their use of animals (tigers and elephants).
Their site, which hasn't been occupied yet, belongs to a farmer. The farmer was kind enough to securely lock the entrance gate with heavy chains and locks. Good luck to him opening the locks after they have been filled with bits of paper-clips and superglued. Many of their signs were removed. The entrance and the pillars into the site were spray-painted with "No Animals In Circuses" and "ALF".
This is only the start. Every animal circus in this country is now a target of the Animal Liberation Front.. We intend to step up our tactics. You use animals for entertainment, so be prepared to bear the consequences. You have been warned.
ALF"
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"As the farmer and the Dare Devil Circus scumbags worked to secure the field in Celbridge, Kildare, for the circus visit, the Animal Liberation Front were watching them. Did the farmer honestly think that he could away with renting his land to these scumbags? But being a beef farmer puts him in the same low-life, scumbag category as the circus scum.
The ALF are not prepared to allow him profit from circus animal suffering, as well as the suffering of cattle. We superglued match sticks into his locks and ran a screwdriver all over the paintwork of his jeep.
The initials ALF scraped into the paint of his bonnet should be a constant reminder to him that his dealings with animal abuse and with animal abusers will not be tolerated by the Animal Liberation Front.
-23/6/05 CIRCUS GETS HIT
"Michael Courtney, who owns Circus Hoffenburg, (straight from Germany), also owns circuses under the names of Circus Vegas and American 2 Ring Circuses (straight from America).
The only non-Irish thing about these circuses is the people employed by Michael Courtney. The same people he sends out to beat up peaceful protestors, including women and children, who object to the use of animals in circuses.
Michael denied that these thugs worked for him, even though they were later seen working around the country with his circuses. Guess he's paying them under the counter while they collect the dole!!! Michael has also been seen beating an elephant with a garden rake.
In the early hours of Tuesday, 21st of June, the Animal Liberation Front decided to pay a visit to Leixlip, Co. Kildare, where Circus Hoffenburg had saturated the town with posters advertising it's coming visit.
More than 70 circus signs were either removed or destroyed. The ALF will continue to target Michael Courtney's circus and all other circuses that exploit animals. The removal and distruction of signs is only the start of our actions.
ALF Ireland message is simple- Remove all animals from Irish circuses or we will be taking our actions to another level.
22/7/05 FUR ACTION AND BUTCHERS HIT
On the night of 2/3 May 05, the house of a well known fur shop owner in Rathfarnham, south Dublin was visited. A Volvo car was covered in paint stripper.
On the night of 16/17 May 05 , an "exotic" butchers in Terenure, south Dublin had its locks filled with superglue gel.
On the same night a butcher's van in Ballinteer, south Dublin was covered in
paint stripper.
28/7/05 BETTING SHOPS GLUED.
Bookmakers come unstuck in glue attack on 15 city premoises.
Irish Independent 28th july 2005
Brian McDonald.
The Bookmakers came unstuck in Galway yesterday, literally.
The staff turned up for work on the busiest betting occassion of the year Galway Plate Day ,but found themselves non-runners.
disgruntled punters are believed to be behind an attack on 15 offices around the city that left the bookmakers and their staff unable to gain access to their premises.
Fast acting glue mixed with matchsticks was poured into the locks of all the offices making it impossible to gain entry.
a number of bookmakers worried at losing their biggest pay day in the racing calendar had to break their way into their own premises.
The offices affected were basedin the city in Oranmore and in Athenry. gardai said yesterday they were studying CCTV footage in the hunt for the culprits.
end
11/8/05 CIRCUS SIGNS DESTROYED.
"All week signs advertising circuses have being removed in Sligo to stop the amount of advertising circus hoffenburg is doing to promote their sick abusing business.
maybe next time it wont be the signs that will be damaged.
11/8/05 GOATS LIBERATED
"Three goats have being removed from a traveller halting site in Limerick city. the animals have have being placed in a safe, secure home away from the dirty miserable life they had up until then."
14/8/05 ALF Report.Ireland FISHERMENS CAR ATTACKED
Two cars containing fishing gear were damaged whilst they were left parked at the Harbour. As anglers hooked fish using live bait the ALF were watching and waiting.
19/8/05 FISHING SHOPS DAMAGED
"Last night members of the Animal Liberation Front targeted 2 Fishing Tackle outlets in the Dublin area glueing locks and spray-painting "ALF" on shutters and walls. Our message to these stores is: cut your ties with animal abuse- or we will keep coming back!
19/8/05 FISHING ACTION
A Fishing/Shooting store in Lucan, Co. Dublin was targeted by the Animal Liberation Front in the early hours of this morning. The shutters, which display a badly painted scene of fishing and shooting, have now been artistically altered with bright red paint displaying the initials "ALF". Many passers-by will have the pleasure today of witnessing the artistic ability of the animal rights movement, as we jammed the locks on the shutters with match sticks, bits of metal and superglue. Profit from the suffering and death of animals, and we'll make you suffer. We have only just started. This is a warning to all fishing/shooting stores. You have been warned. "ALF"
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