NOTE: SLAAM generated $40,000 in income via a settlement on a lawsuit against Morgan County and the UT Department of Transportation in 2009 over permit and security requirements related to a protest Thanksgiving weekend (http://www.furcommission.com/news/newsF11t.htm).

SLAAM runs stoptestingonpetsé slcanimalrights and saltlakeanimaladvocacymovement While SLAAM states it is a nonprofit organization, we can find no confirming record.

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http://www.deseretnews.com/article/70003...ml?s_cid=rss-30

Animal rights group names Unified police in complaint

Published: Friday, May 28, 2010 3:13 p.m. MDT

SALT LAKE CITY — A Salt Lake-based animal rights group has filed a federal complaint against the Unified Police Department and two of its officers, stating that the men didn't have the legal right to halt a protest the group was holding.

On May 8, members of the Salt Lake Animal Advocacy Movement decided to hold a "small, spontaneous" demonstration at 700 West and 8600 South, near a facility that produces mink feed, according to the complaint. The group, which says it "operates under the simple principle that animals are not ours to eat, wear, experiment on or use for our entertainment," gathered on public property on the shoulder of the roadway.

Although there is no sidewalk near the road, the complaint states that the group members positioned themselves away from pedestrian and vehicle traffic. As there were approximately 15 demonstrators present, the group did not acquire a permit, citing a Salt Lake County ordinance amended in 2009 that states a permit is only required for groups over 50.

As the members held signs and chanted, they were approached by two Unified police officers who told them that if they didn't stop the demonstration, they would be ticketed or arrested, according to the complaint. The protesters disbanded and left but are now seeking monetary damages on the claim that their civil rights were violated by the officers' actions.

They are also seeking a restraining order and permanent injunction against the two officers, as the complaint states the group members are legitimately afraid of them.

"The conduct of (the officers) has had and continues to have a chilling effect on plaintiff's rights of free expression and free assembly," the complaint states. "Plaintiffs are fearful that if they again engage in demonstration and outreach activities in unincorporated Salt Lake County … they will again be ordered to leave and/or be arrested or cited."

Unified Police Lt. Don Hutson said his department is aware of the complaint and is looking into it but said he couldn't comment on ongoing litigation.

The animal rights group sued both Morgan County and the Utah Department of Transportation last year in connection with a planned protest because they believed the organizations were requesting unreasonably high rates for event insurance and security. They also asserted that the county was unconstitutionally adjusting its ordinances to prevent the protest. The county eventually waived its fees and the protest proceeded as planned.

e-mail: emorgan@desnews.com