Peter Daniel Young

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Peter Daniel Young is the author of, Animal Liberation Front: Complete Diary of Actions, a nearly-complete timeline of all reported A.L.F. actions for its first 30 years in the U.S., 1979 to 2008.

Released from his prison term for releasing thousands of mink, veteran activist Peter Young is an emerging voice of strength through sacrifice in the struggle for animal liberation and all forms of justice. After serving two years for his role in a two week campaign of fur farm raids across the Midwest, Peter Young has returned to the world on this side of the fence, and brings with him an inspiring story of moving from above-ground activism to midnight raids, prison, FBI wanted status, and beyond.

Pleading guilty to "Animal Enterprise Terrorism" and conspiracy in 2005, Young has remained unapologetic for his role in liberating thousands of mink just weeks before their death at the hands of furriers. His defiant statements to the media and in courtrooms towards animal abusers, and those who would imprison him for acts of compassion, have earned him visibility as a unique voice among direct action prisoners. Listeners will hear first hand perspective on political repression, commentary on the "Green Scare", the prison experience, and liberation struggles today from a man whose only crime was opening cages.

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BACKGROUND:

In 1997 a wave of fur farm raids swept the Midwest. Six farms were raided and over 8,000 mink released in under two weeks. Potential damage estimates topped 1 million dollars. According to police reports, each liberation followed the same model: perimeter fencing was stripped, breeding records destroyed, and cages opened allowing the animals to escape into their native habitat. Several days after the sixth liberation, a car occupied by Young and another person was followed as they were seen passing a Wisconsin mink ranch. The vehicle was impounded pending issuance of a search warrant. The ensuing search turned up items including fur farm addresses with notations indicating their size, fence structure, parking availability, and proximity to nearby homes. One year later a federal grand jury handed down a 6 count indictment against Young and another man on charges of extortion and "animal enterprise terrorism", alleging their role in these raids. Young, however, was nowhere to be found.

After 7 years on the FBI's Wanted list, Peter Young was arrested in San Jose CA in 2005 and extradited to Wisconsin to face the mink release charges. Up against a co-defendant who had turned state's evidence, Young remained in custody fighting for his life against a possible 82 year prison sentence. After 5 months, his defense was successful at having the most serious charges dismissed, and soon after accepted a plea deal of two years in federal prison.

Young's defiant statements towards animal abusers and those who imprison for acts of compassion carried a heavy price. Within weeks of a court appearance at which Peter expressed his only regret was that he did not shut down more fur farms, the state of South Dakota resurrected a 9 year old case, filing burglary charges against him for yet another 1997 mink release. Already serving a two year federal prison term, Peter then faced an additional prison term of up to 22 years. After fighting the case from a prison cell for over one year, the South Dakota charges were silently dropped in January 2007.

Peter Young was released from prison February 1st, 2007.

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For booking availability and press inquiries:
Please contact Peter Daniel Young's speaker agents at the Evil Twin Booking Agency.

email: Liz Cole and Scott Beibin [ info (at) eviltwinbooking (dot) com ]
+1.215.473.0308 | eviltwinbooking.com

Evil Twin Booking Agency p.o. box 30726 philadelphia pa 19104 usa

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