ANIMAL RIGHTS ACTIVISTS ATTACK CALIFORNIA BEEF PROCESSOR

Source: Animal Liberation Press Office

The Associated Press
Feb. 21, 2012

FRESNO, Calif. -- Fresno County authorities are offering $100,000 for information leading to an arrest in last month's arson attack at the state's biggest beef processor.

Sheriff's officials announced the reward Tuesday.

The Jan. 8 fire destroyed 14 big-rig tractors and several trailers at Harris Ranch near Coalinga. Harris Ranch estimated the loss in excess of $2 million.

Animal rights activists claimed responsibility for the fire through an anonymous email released by the North American Animal Liberation press office. The email included a description of the containers of accelerant and kerosene-soaked rope apparently used to set the blaze.

Sheriff's investigators have declined to comment on whether the group's description matches details from the investigation.

Officials say they have not identified any offenders yet.