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ARKANGEL Journal of animal liberation |
Arkangel Magazine BCM 9240 London WC1N 3XX |
| A Burning Issue |
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by Anon In a certain US animal liberation magazine (Summer 1999 issue), the author of an article wrote regarding the use of arson: "When used correctly it can be one of the most devastating tools in an activist's toolkit...Always be sure to do a thorough recon of the target to be absolutely certain you won't be putting any living being at risk". In another part of the article, "Inside an ALF cell", the writer talks about rescuing mice and rats and other species. The writer states: "An incendiary device was placed in the vacant laboratory under construction. The ensuing fires at the two buildings injured no living beings and destroyed irreplaceable files and records as two vehicles with over 1000 animals safely made their getaway". In an article on page 18, the writer states that those who use arson must make damn sure that no animals (humans included) will be inadvertently killed. Prior to my becoming an animal rights activist 17 years ago I spent a winter's day in a cabin in the woods which included a large stone fireplace. While enjoying the hot fire, I was startled to notice a slight movement in a small crack between the stones above the fire. A tiny mouse came struggling out of the crack in the stone face with a mouse puppy in her/his mouth. The mouse, attempting to flee the increasing heat inside their home, made repeated trips across the front of the fireplace to rescue the pups and to deposit them in a safe place. I relate this story because unless an activist has checked in every nook and cranny of every building or vehicle targeted for arson they can never be certain that buildings and vehicles are "free of creatures". In fact, in almost every building there are mice, rats and insects behind walls and in the infrastructure. Also, in offices you often find aquariums. Unless you check behind all locked doors you can never be assured that there are no animals behind them. I believe it is impossible to burn buildings and vehicles without killing animals. I believe, in desperation, some animal rights activists wrongly view arson as a legitimate tool in the war against animal suffering and cruelty. However, they can only accept the idea of arson if they believe that no animal will die as a result of their acts. Because they don't 'see' the animals they make the false assumption that no animals are in the buildings or vehicles. Thus, in effect, arsonists, those who promote arson and even publications that publicise acts of arson are deluding themselves that no animals die as a result. Or there may be activists that know that animals die in these actions but believe they are justified in 'sacrificing the few to save the many'. It is a truly sad day for the animal rights movement if we have resorted to killing animals to save animals. |