2 people arrested after 200 minks are released from Pennsylvania farm
SUNBURY, Pa. — Two people are facing charges following the release of about 200 mink from cages at a fur farm in central Pennsylvania.
Most of the animals have been found, according to an official, unlike a similar incident Just over a year ago, thousands of minks were released into the area.
State police in Northumberland County say troopers were called shortly before 1 a.m. Saturday to a report that two people were caught on camera releasing the minks at the Richard H. Stahl Sons Inc. farm. in Rockefeller Township, outside Sunbury.
Two Massachusetts residents were arrested on charges of agricultural vandalism, criminal mischief causing property damage, theft, burglary, trespassing and animal cruelty. They were taken to the provincial jail. Shamokin’s news item reported that a magisterial district judge set bail at $150,000 for each and that a preliminary hearing would take place on October 29.
It is unclear whether any of the suspects have lawyers who can speak for them.
In September 2023, thousands of minks were released from the farm after holes were cut in the fence surrounding it. Police said they were told that about 6,000 to 8,000 minks were released from their pens in the incident.
This time, a fence kept most, if not all, of the minks on the property, Challis Hobbs of the Fur Commission USA told PennLive.com. Security cameras installed after the 2023 release allowed for quick police notification, Hobbs said.
The commission called the arrests “a major victory for farmers targeted by extremist groups.”
Hobbs said farmers face “constant harassment, violations and threats.” He said the farm participates in a rigorous certification program to meet animal welfare standards, including third-party inspections to ensure compliance.
Farmed mink that are released usually die within 24 to 48 hours due to starvation, predation or accidents such as vehicle collisions, Hobbs said.
The North American Animal Liberation organization said on its website that it was seeking help for those arrested.