By Cheryl Wood

EXTREMIST GROUP the Animal Liberation Front has warned activists may carry out further attacks in Scotland, after claiming responsibility for extensive damage to a north-east Fife deer farm.

The international organisation, which acts in small, autonomous cells to avoid detection, said targeting of other premises by its members was now likely.

The vandalism at Reediehill Deer Farm, near Auchtermuchty, was believed to be the first attack of its kind in Scotland.

Fences were cut and graffiti, including the word “scum” and the initials “ALF,” sprayed at the farm, run by Fletchers of Auchtermuchty, overnight on Wednesday.

A spokesman for the ALF, regarded as being at the centre of animal rights terrorism in the UK, said the attack was being considered an ALF action.

Although press officer Robin Webb claimed groups acted autonomously, he said, “This has been claimed by ALF activists and it certainly falls within our policy guidelines.

“The owner of this farm says the deer are reared humanely but that doesn’t change the fact that they are born merely to be killed for profit.

“Now that these activities have been undertaken there is no reason to doubt that it is likely similar actions will be carried out elsewhere in Scotland.”

ALF activists carry out direct action anonymously where they perceive animal abuse is taking place, usually through damage or destruction of property.

Fife Constabulary said it was aware the organisation had claimed responsibility and said its inquiries were continuing.

North East Fife MP Sir Menzies Campbell yesterday condemned the vandalism.

The Liberal Democrat leader said, “This kind of hooliganism is totally misplaced.

“I have seen for myself the care and dedication which John and Nichola Fletcher display towards the welfare of deer at Reediehill.

“It is interesting that those who carry out these attacks never have the courage to engage in open public debate.”

None of the deer in the four fields where fences were cut tried to escape.

On Thursday, Mrs Fletcher said the wrong people had been targeted.

She said, “The whole point of us setting up our deer farm in the 1970s was that we weren’t happy with farming systems and wanted to change things for the better.”