LOS ANGELES – Santa Monica police and FBI agents raided the homes of several controversial animal-rights activists this week as part of an investigation into the Animal Liberation Front, a police spokesman said.
Among the targets were Dr. Jerry Vlasak and his wife, Pamelyn Ferdin, two well-known figures in the movement who regularly protest Los Angeles animal services officials. They were not at their home in Agoura Hills when police conducted the search. Vlasak said an officer had to enter through a doggie-door.
Santa Monica Police Capt. Alex Padilla said officers served multiple search warrants in Los Angeles, Ventura and Orange counties on Tuesday. He would not provide details of the probe beyond saying “it’s an ongoing criminal stalking and conspiracy investigation involving members of the Animal Liberation Front.”
An activist involved in protesting the Santa Monica-based POM Wonderful company, the world’s largest producer of pomegranate juice, said his home and others involved in the animal-rights cause also were raided.
The activists claim the company has funded cruel experiments on mice and rabbits to prove the health benefits of the juice. They said they have no affiliation with Vlasak.
The search warrant for Vlasak’s home authorized the seizure of any evidence of membership or affiliation to the Animal Liberation Front, as well as evidence connected to POM Wonderful.
Police seized computer equipment, animal-rights books, pamphlets, T-shirts, fliers and a stuffed animal.
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