Among the more interesting reports to come out of last week’s “Animal Rights 2001” conference was a memo circulated by an organization called Americans for Medical Progress (AMP), which advocates the responsible use of animals for the advancement of science.
AMP’s report describes a speech delivered by Bruce Friedrich, who runs the vegan campaign for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). Friedrich reportedly devoted his entire presentation to the case for violence. AMP quotes Friedrich as saying: “If we really believe that animals have the same right to be free from pain and suffering at our hands, then, of course we’re going to be blowing things up and smashing windows. For the record, I don’t do this stuff, but I advocate it. I think it’s a great way to bring about animal liberation, considering the level of suffering, the atrocities.” Amid loud applause, he continued: “I think it would be great if all of the fast-food outlets, slaughterhouses, these laboratories and the banks who fund them exploded tomorrow. I think it’s perfectly appropriate for people to take bricks and toss them through windows.”
