Animal Rights Terrorists Vandalize Wisconsin Farm:
3,000 Domesticated Mink Released

Bristol, Kenosha County, Wisconsin: Animal rights terrorists have struck again, releasing thousands of domesticated mink from a family farm in this normally peaceful Wisconsin town.

Between 4 and 5 a.m., vandals broke into a building at Krieger Farm and released over 3,000 domesticated mink. With the help of neighboring farmers, most of the animals were safely returned to their pens by 10 a.m.

"I'm just so happy that we were able to gather up most of the mink and that today is only going to be about 80 degrees," said farmer Richard Krieger. "If it were as hot as it was the last few days, 90 to 100, the missing animals would die of dehydration pretty fast."

"We were more than glad to help out," said neighbor and fur farmer Steve Frye who drove in from Illinois. "The Kriegers raise a beautiful mink. It would have been a tragedy if all their efforts had been wiped out in a single night by one act of stupidity."

Local law enforcement and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) are investigating the attack, said Teresa Platt, Executive Director of Fur Commission USA which represents U.S. mink and fox farmers. Of larger concern is the issue of why such attacks take place at all.

"Rounding up the vandals at Krieger Farm is treatment for a wound, but it does nothing to address the cause," says Platt. "The use of terrorism to force resource users out of business is becoming all too common in America and is by no means limited to fur producers."

Animal rights terrorists and "eco-terrorists" have struck small family farms, food producers, research scientists, loggers, miners and the recreation industry. In response to such attacks, the FBI has now moved domestic terrorism up its list of priorities.

But for Krieger, Washington, D.C. is too remote. He is fighting the issue down on the farm. "It's a shame when something like this happens in America," he says, shaking his head and returning to caring for his traumatized animals.

See also:

Mink Break-In, Feed Mill Fire Reasons for More Punishment for Animal Rights Terrorists Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation press release; Aug. 12, 1999.

Wisconsin Mink Farmers to Improve Security Measures after Vandalism Wisconsin State Journal, reproduced with permission; Aug. 10, 1999.

Stiffer Laws for Releasing Animals Sought From the Daily Press (Escanaba, Michigan). Reproduced with permission; July 20, 1999.

Engaging Political Will (HTML or PDF) Animal rights terrorism moves up FBI priority list; FCUSA commentary on animal rights / eco-terrorism; Mar. 4, 1999.

Congressional Testimony of FCUSA Executive Director Teresa Platt to the Committee on Resources, Subcommittee on Forests and Forest Health, Oversight Hearing on "Public and Private Resource Management And Protection Issues in the National Forest Systems" with particular reference to animal rights terrorism and eco-terrorism. (May, 1999)

Engaging Political Will Animal rights terrorism moves up FBI priority list. FCUSA commentary. Also available in PDF format. (March 1999)

Should Conflict Generation Be Rewarded by Non-Profit Benefits? Teresa Platt of FCUSA takes a look at the activites of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. (November 1997)

Report to Congress on the Extent and Effects of Domestic and International Terrorism on Animal Enterprises. Prepared by the Department of Justice. (September 1993)

For further information contact: Teresa Platt, Executive Director, Fur Commission USA, PMB 506, 826 Orange Avenue, Coronado, CA 92118-2698 USA, (619) 575-0139, (619) 575-5578/fax, furfarmers@aol.com, www.furcommission.com.

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