VAN WERT, Ohio — Vandals targeting an Ohio fur farm released tens of thousands of mink, with approximately 10,000 remaining unaccounted for on Wednesday.
The Van Wert County Sheriff’s Office said it was investigating the vandalism at Lion Farms in a news release, saying the mink, which are considered domesticated animals/livestock, were released from their cages. An original estimate of nearly 40,000 mink being released was updated after the property owner found some of the animals on the property.
Van Wert County Sheriff Thomas Riggenbach said there were so many mink killed crossing the road after their release that a plow had to be brought in to clear the scene, The Associated Press Reported.
The manager of the farm told WANE that the break-in likely happened between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m. on Tuesday, and that the vandals spray-painted the words “ALF” and “we’ll be back” on the wall near where fencing was cut.
A mink farm in Van Wert County was similarly targeted in September 2013, when a group called the Animal Liberation Front released 150-200 mink, the Times Bulletin reported. The same group took credit for releasing 1,000 mink near Massillon, Ohio on Nov. 8, according to the newspaper.
When reached for comment, ALF told the Times Bulletin that while it was “very pleased” to hear about the vandalism, it was not aware of someone within the group being involved.
The Van Wert County Sheriff’s Office warned residents not to approach any mink, because they may bite.
Investigators said that while the animals may pose a risk to poultry flocks and small pets, the animals are considered domesticated and will likely not survive in the wild.
©2022 Cox Media Group
