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Pearson bill
targets 'eco-terrorism,' would increase civil damages
Livestock owners could sue for three times the damages against
perpetrators who remove, damage or destroy their animals, under a bill
introduced in the House of Representatives by
Rep.
Kirk Pearson, R-Monroe.
Pearson said he hopes to draw from the momentum of an anti-sabotage bill
he authored two years ago which increased penalties against
eco-terrorist and sabotage acts. Although that bill passed the
Legislature and was signed into law, Pearson said he didn't believe it
went far enough.
"My original bill was a good start, but it wasn't complete. This new
measure will help to complete the process and ensure that people who
become victims of eco-terrorist acts against their livestock and
property have some additional recourse," said Pearson.
Pearson cited the incident
last August in Sultan where more than 10,000 mink were released from a
farm to the wild by a group claiming responsibility called "Animal
Liberation Front." Although many of the mink were able to be quickly
recaptured, some died, and other hungry mink killed local birds and fish
to survive. Including breeding records lost and overturned pens, damage
to the mink farm was estimated at $500,000.
"It's very traumatic for someone like this to come onto your property to
engage in such a crime. I represent a large rural area and eco-terrorism
is a major concern because it has the potential to destroy people's
lives, property, and their livelihoods," said Pearson. "This legislation
provides another tool to fight this crime. If we catch the perpetrator,
this bill would give those who were attacked the right to sue and seek
justice by collecting triple the damages. Hopefully, once it becomes
expensive enough, it will curb the appetites of those considering
engaging in such unlawful acts."
House Bill 2589 has been
referred to the House Judiciary Committee for consideration.
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For more information, contact:
Bobbi Cussins, Public Information Officer:
(360) 786-7252
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