Fur commission issues statement after mink release

Sunbury, Pa. — Following the release of hundreds of mink from a fur farm near Sunbury Saturday morning, a non-profit organization that represents mink farmers released a statement, condemning the actions of the alleged vandals. Police arrested two Massachusetts residents after they allegedly released 700 mink from the farm in the early morning hours — a move that the fur commission says will likely condemn the minks to death unless they're rescued in the next 48 hours.

Read the full statement by the Fur Commission USA here:

On October 19 at 12:45 a.m., individuals were caught on a monitored security camera attacking Richard H Stahl Sons Inc.’s mink farm and releasing 700 mink. The system alerted the farmer and law enforcement, leading to quick arrests. Most of the mink are now being recovered.

Police have charged Christopher Legere, 25, and Cara Mitrano, 27, both of Massachusetts, with multiple offenses, including cruelty to animals for their role in releasing the mink. The release of farmed mink, which have been raised in captivity for over 100 generations, is a direct act of animal cruelty, as most mink that are not rescued die within 24-48 hours from starvation, predation, or accidents like being hit by vehicles.

This attack marks the second assault on this mink farm in just over a year. Last September, thousands of mink were released into the wild during a similar attack. Since then, farmers across the country have been subjected to numerous instances of harassment, trespassing, and threats by radical animal rights activists.

“Today’s arrests are a major win for farmers targeted by extremist groups,” said Challis Hobbs, Executive Director of Fur Commission USA. “Farmers face ongoing harassment, trespassing, and threats while simply doing their jobs. Under the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act (AETA), anyone who engages in conduct aimed at damaging or interfering with an animal enterprise is legally considered a terrorist. We’re grateful authorities are treating these actions seriously.”

This farmer operates a legal, certified farm that participates in a rigorous certification program administered by Fur Commission USA and accredited by PAACO. PAACO accredits animal welfare standards across major U.S. livestock industries. Mink farms undergo third-party inspections to ensure compliance with these standards.

A federal investigation into recent and past attacks on mink farms highlights growing concerns over domestic extremism targeting animal agriculture. These attacks threaten animals and harm rural communities. Fur Commission USA remains committed to protecting farmers and their animals and hopes for swift justice and stronger protections for all animal enterprises.