BARRON, Wis. — A western Wisconsin sheriff believes a rash of vandalism targeting tree stands in the area may be tied to an aggressive animal rights group.
Barron County Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald says his investigators are working on a case where a tree stand was torn down and vandalized in the Prairie Farm area of Barron County.
Fitzgerald says the case could be tied to several similar instances that have taken place recently in nearby Dunn County where hunting stands and trail cameras were damaged, torn down or vandalized.
While these are all active cases, the sheriff believes a group called Animal Liberation Front (ALF) may be involved. He describes ALF as an international, leaderless resistance that engages in the direct action in the pursuit of animal rights.
Fitzgerald is asking hunters, trail riders and the general public to be aware and stay vigilant over the next few weeks as a large number of hunters take to the woods. He asks that any vandalism or suspicious activity be reported to local law enforcement by calling 911, and urges hunters not to approach anyone on your property, but call law enforcement instead.
