The State - News from Nov. 30, 1987

A warehouse in Santa Clara containing frozen chickens was damaged by a fire believed set by members of the Animal Liberation Front, a clandestine animal rights organization, authorities said. The blaze at V. Melani Inc., a poultry distribution company, caused an estimated $200,000 damage to the interior and left only its concrete walls standing. The fire also destroyed a truck outside the building and damaged a nearby car. No injuries were reported and no live animals were involved, fire officials said. An anonymous caller told the Associated Press he was from the Animal Liberation Front, and claimed the group “just burned down a chicken murderer.” After the flames were doused, arson investigators found the acronym “ALF” and the word “murderers” spray-painted on several walls. The group also claimed responsibility for recent fires at a feed barn in San Jose and at a veal plant in Santa Clara.