LOS ANGELES, CA--(Marketwire - Feb 22, 2012) - Last Chance for Animals (LCA) Founder and President Chris DeRose speaks out against the self-proclaimed animal rights activist who plotted to kill someone wearing fur by attempting to hire a hitman.
"People like Meredith Lowell in no way represent true animal rights activists," says Chris DeRose. "Animal rights activists believe that all living beings possess intrinsic value and, as such, they are entitled to certain basic rights, first and foremost, the right to live and not to be murdered."
According to an affidavit filed by federal authorities Lowell, 27, solicited a hitman to kill the first person he saw wearing fur outside of a Cleveland library. Lowell corresponded with an undercover FBI operative via e-mail over the course of several months. Lowell wrote that she planned "on staying after the hit for reasons of benefit to the movement" and believed that "being caught would actually benefit her personally."
"This person is misguided in thinking that her actions would benefit the animal rights movement," continues DeRose. "Her actions only distract from the millions of legitimate animal rights activists who are trying to prevent animal suffering and are working to put an end to animal exploitation, whether that occurs for food, medical research, entertainment, or fashion.
"I understand the frustrations of people that care about animals but to do something as violent and stupid as this is unacceptable. I hope the authorities take into consideration that this young lady is disturbed and needs help and not just treat her as a common criminal."
For 35 years DeRose has been an international leader in the animal rights movement, and an inspiration and consultant to countless other individuals and groups dedicated to the animal cause. Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr., DeRose has fought all of his battles non-violently and has spent time in jail, including solitary confinement, for his peaceful actions.
"No person has ever been murdered by an animal rights activist, but animal rights activists have died on the front lines advocating for animal rights. Billions of animals are murdered every year however that is no reason to hire a hitman to kill someone," concludes DeRose.
In 1997, Chris released his autobiography, In Your Face, reporting on his life and his values on compassion. The book was the final achievement that earned him the prestigious Courage of Conscience International Peace Award -- an honor he shares with previous award winners Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr.
About Last Chance for Animals (LCA)
LCA, a national animal rights organization has been active for nearly three decades. LCA fights for the rights of animals by conducting investigations that expose animal cruelty, launching public awareness campaigns, pushing animal friendly legislation and helping prosecute animal abusers.