OH Mink Farm Attack

July 3, 2025

Animal rights terrorists attack family-run farm in overnight incident

Massillon, OH (July 3, 2025) — Fur Commission USA confirms that one or more individuals illegally trespassed onto a mink farm in Massillon, Ohio late Wednesday night or early Thursday morning, cut through a 4-foot section of the security fence, and released

approximately 2,000 mink.

The farm, operated by a father and son, is working with family, employees, and neighbors to recover the animals. The County Sheriff’s Department and the FBI are actively investigating.

“Let’s be clear — this was not an act of compassion. This was a criminal act that harmed animals, put farm families at risk, and broke the law,” said Challis Hobbs, Executive Director of Fur Commission USA.

“Releasing farm-raised mink into the wild guarantees suffering and death. Most won’t survive more than 24 to 48 hours. These attacks destroy property, threaten livelihoods, and leave families fearing for their safety.”

“Mink farming is legal, ethical, and humane — and these farms are certified to prove it,” Hobbs added. “Our farmers are good stewards of their animals and produce high-quality, multi-use products that are used all over the world.”

These animal extremists are terrorists, plain and simple. As defined by the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act (AETA), any person who engages in certain conduct for the purpose of damaging or interfering with the operations of an animal enterprise is a terrorist in the eyes of the law.

The farm follows certified animal care standards developed with veterinarians, scientists, and third-party welfare experts. U.S. mink farms participate in a national certification program accredited by the Professional Animal Auditor Certification Organization (PAACO), which includes requirements for housing, nutrition, veterinary care, and humane harvesting.

This incident is the latest in a pattern of trespassing, vandalism, and coordinated harassment targeting mink farms across the U.S. Fur Commission USA is working closely with law enforcement and stands ready to assist farmers with tools and technology to help protect their farms.