Animal activists claim they freed minks, FBI calls group terrorists

Considered to be the second break-in at a fur ranching outfit in Oregon this year, the Animal Liberation Front has claimed responsibility for last week's release of hundreds of mink from the S&N Fur Farm in Scio. Bryan Denson of the Oregonian reports:

The saboteurs wrote that they released as many as 150 mink in Thursday's raid. But ranch owner Ed Sandberg confirmed today that 215 mink were set free after someone cut a hole in his fence.

The ALF saboteurs wrote a communique, passed to The Oregonian Monday morning, explaining that their actions were inspired by releases last month in Jordan, Utah of 600 mink and in Aldergrove, British Columbia of 6,000 mink.

"This is our path through this chaotic and frustrating world," the saboteurs concluded. "Our wisdom will appear to you long before we will. Till the last cage is empty, till all beings are free. ALF."

The ALF struck the Jefferson Fur Farm in April, releasing 53 mink, all of which were recovered, according to the ranch.

FBI spokeswoman Beth Anne Steele confirmed today that agents are investigating the case. The bureau describes the Animal Liberation Front as one of the nation's leading domestic terrorist groups.

Fur industry officials told the Oregonian that captive mink, raised for coats and other garments, rarely survive in the wild after being released. Those not recaptured are often run over by cars or die of starvation or dehydration, the paper reported.

-- Francisco Vara-Orta

Photo: Steve Ringman / Associated Press

Comments

[Brien Comerford]

The people who trap and kill minks and other creatures are terrorizing wildlife.

[Nate]

The term terrorist has been used so loosely it no longer means the same thing. Now it means "one who doesn't believe what we want them to." FBI is worried about these mink?! What about Meth, heroine, cocaine..... Are drug dealers terrorists too?

[CatGirl]

Why do we still even tolerate mink farms or other farms where animals are bred for their fur? Fur is no longer a necessity in today's world: there are plenty of other non-lethal materials to keep warm! I'm surprised there is no federal law banning fur production. Please consider this next time you buy fashion magazines or shop at designer stores which still harvest and use fur in their items. Become an informed consumer - and 'vote' with your dollars. Become aware...and let creatures enjoy their lives as we do.

[Scott]

Whether you agree with fur or not, how does releasing the mink into an environment they are not prepared to live in help? Answer - it doesn't. They die much more tragically.
And, to set the record straight - the ALF has been designated a terrorist organization for their role in fire-bombing the homes and cars of researchers who use animals to do life-saving experiments. Releasing a farmer's mink is not terrorism, just willful destruction of another's property. Even if it is based on a belief, it is still a crime. There are better ways to protest than to break the law.