Wisconsin Governor Makes Good on Promise for Safe Farms

FUR COMMISSION USA PRESS RELEASE, APRIL 18, 2000

Wisconsin Governor Makes Good on Promise for Safe Farms

April 11, Eau Claire, Wisconsin: Gov. Tommy G. Thompson signed into law a bill(1) increasing penalties for the release of any animal legally confined, making good on a promise given to concerned citizens at an August 1999 Safe Farms Support Rally.

Held at the site of the $1.5 million arson at United Feeds, the Safe Farms Support Rally was an outpouring of frustration by livestock farmers and other animal owners over attacks on their animals and property.

At the rally, Gov. Thompson issued a statement saying, “I am appalled by the actions of people who would break the law, damage property and endanger people’s lives and livelihoods. These actions are unacceptable in a lawful society where political disagreements are decided on the floor of the State Assembly and Senate — not with terrorism. … I commend those attending your rally in support of Wisconsin agriculture and in opposition to those who would senselessly destroy what they do not understand.”

SB 92 increases the maximum penalty for violating the prohibition against intentionally releasing animals. It also requires that any vehicle or property used for this purpose will be forfeited. The bill also adds punitive damages, attorney fees and interest on damages to toughen the penalties on this criminal activity.

SB 92 passed the Wisconsin Senate unanimously in early February after clearing the State Assembly with overwhelming support during 1999.

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Expressing Thanks

Wisconsin farmers and other concerned citizens should thank Gov. Thompson (608-266-1212) for his ongoing efforts to battle eco-terrorism. Lead State Senator was James R. Baumgart at State Capitol: P.O. Box 7882, Madison, WI 53707-7882, Tel: (608) 266-2056, 1-888-295-8750, sen.baumgart@legis.state.wi.us sen.baumgart@legis.state.wi.us. Also, key in this process was Assemblywoman Barbara Gronemus, Assembly District 91 (1-888-534-0091) at the same address or Rep.Gronemus@legis.state.wi.us Rep.Gronemus@legis.state.wi.us. Gronemus got this ball rolling in the State Assembly and deserves a big thank you from farmers and animal owners in Wisconsin!

Note:

(1) Text of the bill can be found at www.legis.state.wi.us/1999/data/AB92.pdf. Gov. Thompson’s April 11, 2000 press release on the bill signing is at www.wisgov.state.wi.us/news/pr_detail.asp?prid=299. Those involved in medical research, animal agriculture, pet breeding, etc. should read this bill.