In a recent incident in central Pennsylvania, two individuals have been apprehended on charges related to the liberation of approximately 200 minks from a fur farm.
The Richard H. Stahl Sons Inc. farm in Rockefeller Township, just outside of Sunbury, was the scene of the crime. The majority of the minks were successfully retrieved, marking a stark contrast to a similar occurrence over a year ago when thousands of minks were set free, with many never recovered.
As reported by Boston.com, the incident unfolded in the early hours of Saturday morning when state police in Northumberland County were alerted to a breach at the fur farm. Surveillance footage captured two individuals in the act of releasing the minks. The suspects, both residents of Massachusetts, were subsequently arrested and charged with agricultural vandalism, criminal mischief involving property damage, theft, burglary, trespass, and animal cruelty. They were transported to the county jail, with bail set at $150,000 each. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for October 29th.
In a previous incident in September 2023, the same farm was targeted, resulting in the release of between 6,000 to 8,000 minks after the surrounding fence was cut. This time, however, a perimeter fence managed to contain most, if not all, of the minks within the property. Challis Hobbs of the Fur Commission USA credited the installation of security cameras after the 2023 incident for the swift police notification.
The Fur Commission USA hailed the arrests as a significant victory for farmers who have been the targets of extremist groups. Hobbs highlighted the constant harassment, trespassing, and threats that farmers endure. He also emphasized that the farm adheres to a stringent certification program to meet animal welfare standards, including third-party inspections to ensure compliance.
Hobbs further noted the grim fate of farmed minks that are released, stating that they typically perish within 24 to 48 hours due to starvation, predation, or accidents such as being hit by vehicles. Meanwhile, the North American Animal Liberation organization has announced on its website that it is seeking aid for those arrested.
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