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Thousands of Minks Released from Pennsylvania Fur Farm

Minks kept captive at a fur farm peer through cage bars

Between 6,000 and 8,000 minks escaped from a Pennsylvania fur farm on Sunday, September 17. The escape occurred after an unknown person(s) cut a hole in the fence of Richard H. Stahl Sons Incorporated. The unknown actors thus freed the minks from their confinement at the fur farm. This is not the first time that Animal rights activists have targeted fur farms, which remain legal in many U.S. states.

Source: 6abc Philadelphia/YouTube

Fur farming is a cruel industry that treats sentient creatures as products. Although recent decades have seen growing opposition to this cruel practice, roughly 250 fur farms continue to operate in the United States. At these farms, a variety of animals are raised for their pelts. Animals raised on fur farms include minks, foxes, chinchillas, and rabbits. Although illegal in the U.S., dogs and cats may also be raised for their fur in other countries.

On fur farms, animals are kept in deplorable conditions. They are often kept in small wire cages that cut into their paws and do not allow them adequate room. Reports have shown that some animals are kept in unhygienic conditions in cages that are not cleaned. The animals are not provided enrichment and naturally social species, such as chinchillas, are usually kept isolated from each other. Others, like mink, are naturally solitary yet are forced to live with thousands of creatures crammed into a small area. The conditions at fur farms cause the animals significant physical and psychological distress.

Minks and other animals kept captive on fur farms are also killed young by a variety of cruel methods. Gassing, cervical dislocation, and electrocution are all common methods. Animals on fur farms often live only a fraction of their natural lifespans.

Sadly, the thousands of minks that escaped the Pennsylvania fur farm were ill-equipped to deal with life in the wild. The minks had been born and raised in captivity and many of the creatures were hit by cars shortly after their escape. Additionally, authorities advise that the animals may die of disease or starvation without proper care since they may not know how to hunt or otherwise fend for themselves. Introducing large amounts of predators to an environment may also have unforeseen consequences to the native ecosystem. Instead of releasing animals kept captive on fur farms, these horrible businesses should be banned and the animals taken to special sanctuaries and rehabilitation centers where they can be cared for and experience wonderful, natural lives.

Many of the escaped minks have been captured. Authorities say that only a few hundred remain at large. However, they caution people to avoid the animals if they are seen and contact animal control officials. Tragically, the minks will be returned to captivity at the fur farm.

Although statistics show that demand for fur is declining, the continued existence of fur farms traps animals in a horrible cycle of cruelty. Never wear fur or purchase fur products. Additionally, help protect animals by supporting legislation that bans fur farming. Animal advocates suggest donating any fur clothing you wish to get rid of to animal rescues, sanctuaries, and rehabilitation centers as they can provide comfort to young, orphaned animals.

Sign this petition demanding that the U.S. outlaw Fur Farms!