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FUR COMMISSION USA PRESS RELEASE, AUGUST 13, 2007
Mink Farm Attacked by Suspected Extremists, Hundreds of Mink Still Missing
(See also: Update from the Carmel family in Hinsdale, Massachusetts, Aug. 14, 2007.)
Under cover of darkness, criminals cut 75 feet of fencing and entered the Carmel Fur Farm in Hinsdale, Massachusetts, opening pens to release and then abandon the farm-raised mink. The crime was discovered about 3 a.m. Monday morning when one member of the farming family left the farm for his milking job.
Approximately 500 animals were released and drawn to the roads by the sound of traffic which the mink equate with the sound of feed carts. Many were run over.
Neighbors are discovering mink on their property so anyone who finds a lost mink should contact Fur Commission USA at 619-575-0139 and someone will be sent to pick up the animal.
By noon, the farmers and neighbors had recovered about 100 mink and returned them to the farm. Losses are estimated to be between $75,000 and $100,000 as the breeding records were also destroyed by the crime.
"No one has admitted guilt, but we suspect it to be the work of animal rights extremists such as those involved with the domestic terrorist group known as the Animal Liberation Front," stated Teresa Platt, Executive Director of Fur Commission USA, a non-profit trade association representing mink farmers in 28 states.
Anyone with information on the crime is encouraged to contact local law enforcement and/or the FBI. Fur Commission USA offers a reward of up to $100,000 for information leading to conviction.
See also:
Many helped out after mink release, Carmel family letter to the editor, Berkshire Eagle, Aug. 30, 2007.
Farm missing mink, Berkshire Eagle, Aug. 14, 2007.
Police investigate after 400 minks released into wild. Capital News 9. Includes video. Aug. 13, 2007.
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.
To take a cyber-tour of a fur farm, visit Fur Commission USA's Fur on Film at http://www.furcommission.com/video/index.htm
© 1998-2007 Fur Commission USA