Chaos Unleashed: 2,000 Mink Set Free in Iowa Farm Raid

A Disturbing Incident at an Iowa Mink Farm

In a shocking turn of events, an Iowa mink farm was breached by individuals who liberated 2,000 mink in what has been labeled a “terrorist act” by a prominent trade organization under federal statutes. This incident has raised alarms about animal rights activism crossing a line into criminal behavior.

Details of the Release

The break-in occurred sometime between Monday night and Tuesday morning, when intruders cut through fencing and dismantled pens and nesting boxes to set the mink free. These animals are primarily raised for their pelts, which has caused the Fur Commission USA to express grave concern. The farm is located near Woodbine, Iowa, approximately 100 miles (161 kilometers) west of Des Moines.

Recovery Efforts Underway

As of Friday morning, just over 60% of the escaped mink have been recaptured, but time is of the essence. Fur Commission USA Executive Director Challis Hobbs warned that the longer the mink remain in the wild, the higher the risk they face. Without food, clean water, and shelter, many will not survive.

Legal Implications

Hobbs noted that similar incidents have occurred in the past, leading to charges under the federal Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act. This law identifies individuals as terrorists if they engage in activities intended to disrupt or dismantle animal operations.

Mink Production in the U.S.

According to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, over 771,000 mink pelts were produced in the U.S. in 2024, despite a general decline in production over the last decade. Hobbs indicated that such releases are not uncommon, occurring about once or twice a year across the country, often driven by misguided compassion.

The Consequences of Release

Hobbs emphasized that releasing farm-raised mink into the wild does not help the animals; instead, it tends to be detrimental. “What we observe repeatedly is that these acts of compassion actually harm the animals,” he explained. If the mink are not recaptured within 24 to 48 hours, the vast majority will perish due to starvation or exposure.

Impact on Local Wildlife

In a concerning development, some of the released mink have attacked and killed ducks and geese on the farm that were being raised for repopulation efforts. This not only poses a threat to the farmer’s livelihood but also disrupts local ecology.

Current Recovery Operations

The farmer, along with his son and grandson, continues to work tirelessly to round up the escaped mink. They have set out over a dozen live traps, which are being checked regularly in hopes of capturing more of the animals.

Community Response

Harrison County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Todd Denton has refrained from commenting on the ongoing investigation. Furthermore, the farmer has opted not to give interviews through Hobbs.

Animal Rights Advocacy

A spokesperson for the Animal Legal Defense Fund criticized mink farming practices, suggesting that the crowded conditions in which animals are kept can lead to unsanitary environments and the spread of diseases, including COVID-19 and avian influenza. The organization advocates for legislation aimed at ending mink farming in the United States altogether.

As this situation continues to unfold, it underscores the complexities of animal rights activism and the unintended consequences that can arise from well-meaning actions.

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This report was contributed by a correspondent from Bismarck, North Dakota.

This article originally appeared on Fortune.com