UPD officers agree to restraining order in animal rights case

SALT LAKE CITY — Attorneys for the Unified Police Department and a Salt Lake City-based animal rights group which alleged the officers violated its civil rights reached an agreement before the case had to be heard by a federal judge.

The Salt Lake Animal Advocacy Movement filed a federal complaint against the UPD and two of its officers, stating that the officers violated the rights of approximately 15 demonstrators when they threatened to arrest or ticket them. Brian Barnard, an attorney for SLAAM, said an agreement was made Tuesday that will prevent the men from stopping any future, lawful demonstrations.

According to the complaint, the demonstrators had gathered near a mink feed factory at 700 West and 8600 South on May 8 for a "small, spontaneous" event that ended when two Unified officers arrived and told the group to disband or else they would be arrested or ticketed. Under a Salt Lake County ordinance, a protest permit is only required for groups over 50.

The group then filed the complaint, stating that the officers' actions had left them in fear. They then sought a restraining order and injunction against the two officers.

"(Their attorney) stipulated to a restraining order that the officers will not interfere with demonstrations by SLAAM and the plaintiffs in the unincorporated county and they will not demand that plaintiffs secure permits," Barnard said.

— Emiley Morgan