BYU police are unsure why the building was targeted, but apparently BYU's animal science department isn't the first agricultural education program to be attacked by ALF activists. According to Bite Back's Web site, animals were released in April at an agricultural high school in Philadelphia. Activists said that "while the school may claim that the students love the animals — which they may — they are training the students for careers in an industry which commits horrific cruelties against animals."

According to BYU officials, the facility that was damaged was not involved in laboratory research that could harm animals.

"In this facility, the animals are only involved in research into improving the care and welfare of livestock," said BYU spokesman Michael Smart. "It's farm- and agricultural-oriented work."

Special agent Kelly Kleinvachter said incidents at the farm seem to be escalating. "This incident has progressed to an arson fire and did more damage," Kleinvachter said. "Once you start getting to arson, its starts getting a little more violent, where people can get hurt."

Anderson said he doesn't consider animal activism to be a significant problem in Utah. "I manage the 16 southern-most counties in the state, and this is really only the second issue that has arisen in the past eight years here," he said.

But Anderson said that doesn't mean the incident will be taken lightly: "It is of no small concern in relation to this particular issue because of the nature of the actions taken, and certainly we're going to pour — believe me — we're pouring resources into it," he said.

---

E-mail: mdecker@desnews.com