It is ironic that the Animal Liberation Front are seen as villains. Hated and feared by animal abusers they are not recognised by the organisations which strive unsuccessfully to bring reform working within the constraints of shameful laws which protect and encourage the exploiters. ALF shows compassion, feeling, sensitivity and more respect for life than many other respectable but static organisations. This is illuminated in the following brief extract from one of their raids on a battery farm:

"There were thousands of birds in dark windowless sheds. Crammed five chickens to each 18"x12"x12" cage they were unable to turn round. We dragged several of the heavy cages across the fields and eventually got them to the waiting trucks. Finally we reached a building the floor of which had been prepared with a thick covering of hay. When we opened the cages the chickens stood bewildered by the freedom to move. One was extremely ill. We got our vet to it. We left them to rest. Eventually they started scratching in the hay. Several journeys were necessary to take them to their new homes over 60 miles away. They are all safe and well including the sick one... and are enjoying their new lives."

In a raid on Boots vivisection laboratories the amount of planning and preparation defies description. It included a 3 1/2 hour walk through ploughed fields in torrential rain on a pitch-black night. Through this quagmire they had to drag and carry a heavy pontoon bridge to scale a fast-flowing river. Once across the water they jumped a 7ft high fence to get at the dogs... 150 of which were barking. Slipping and sliding in deep excrement, choking with the stench of filthy conditions which ALF claim Boots' beagles are forced to live in, the raiders said it was only sheer determination that gave them the strength to select 12 mutilated and tortured animals (which were unable to walk) and carry them across the river and the long four-hour struggle across the fields through blinding rain to the waiting vehicles.

Even opponents of direct action admit that the Animal Liberation Front has achieved more for animals in its six years of existence than all other animal rights groups have accomplished in the last one hundred years.

The following is a brief abstract from informative material distributed by Britain's ALF

• Aims: To end the exploitation and persecution of animals. To save as many animals as possible... NOW.
• Methods: To rescue animals from premises where they are subjected to suffering.
  Destruction of property used to torture animals.
  Cause financial loss to animal exploiters.
• History: Originally called the Band of Mercy in 1972. Changed name to ALF 1976. Has rescued hundreds of thousands of animals and drawn attention to their suffering. Has caused millions of pounds worth of damage to torture buildings and equipment.
• Action: Non-violent. ALF does not harm people or animals. Practises a policy of passive resistance in which they are trained.
• Personal: Qualification: vegetarianism (at least), mostly vegan. Must be prepared to go to prison. Must have good homes for all animals liberate

The following words are from an ALF spokesman:

"Our actions have brought the horrors of animal mutilation home to the people. They may not like our methods but they agree with our aims. We believe that until the law is changed or repealed it is legitimate to step outside legality. It should be understood by all, that we intend to continue and increase our actions as long as it is necessary...
...And we will achieve our goal."

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