January 24, 2003

A Texas legislator has introduced a bill that would help the state prosecute animal rights terrorists. The proposal was based on a model bill created by the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance.

House Bill 433, introduced by Representative Ray Allen (R-Dallas), will recognize animal and eco-terrorism as a form of domestic terrorism, increase penalties for persons participating in politically motivated acts of animal or eco-terrorism and create specific penalties for those who encourage, assist or finance these acts of terrorism.

This is part of the Alliance's national campaign to combat animal rights terrorism on a state-by-state basis. Texas is the first state to introduce this bill. Legislators in other states are currently preparing to introduce similar bills.

"The FBI found extremist animal rights groups to be among the largest and fastest-growing domestic terror threats," said U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance Senior Vice President Rick Story. "Terrorist groups like the Animal Liberation Front and Earth Liberation Front caused $17.3 million in damages during 2001. This legislation can help identify and prosecute those who are involved in animal rights terrorism."

"We need to applaud Rep. Allen for his leadership in introducing this bill as well as his obvious regard for the safety of Texas citizens," he added.

Take Action! The U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance is calling on Texas sportsmen to ask their representatives to support House Bill 433. Tell your representative that animal rights terrorism endangers lives, sets back lifesaving medical research, and strikes fear into the hearts of countless researchers, business people, farmers, sportsmen and more. Let them know that you want those responsible for committing and assisting with these terror acts to be identified and prosecuted.

Texas sportsmen can find their legislators and contact information for them at 512-463-6622 or use the Legislative Action Center on the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance website, http://www.ussportsmen.org