‘Domestic terrorism’: Ohio mink farmer upset after 2,000 animals released from his farm

The North American Animal Liberation Press Office also issued a statement crediting activists for releasing the mink in Stark County. 'The animals liberated .... have a fighting chance at life; they faced a 100% death rate if they stayed on the farm,' it said.

STEVEN GRAZIER: The owner of a western Stark County mink farm said most of the animals released last week by a trespasser have been safely recovered or never left the property.

Dennis Tonn of Tonn’s Mink Farm said about 600 of the approximately 2,000 mink are missing after “an act of domestic terrorism” early July 3 at his longtime business on Pigeon Run Road SW.

“Someone cut a hole in the (fencing) and let ’em out,” Tonn said in an brief July 7 interview at his property. “It’s hard enough to make a living without this (expletive), you know.”

The incident was a first since the operation opened in 1964, said Tonn, who runs the business with his son, Tim.

A similar incident in November 2022 involving a reported 1,000 animals being released did not take place at his farm, Tonn said, adding that that one happened at a Wayne County farm….

Tonn said he immediately called the Stark County Sheriff’s Office and FBI early July 3 when he noticed the missing mink and related damage to his property.

“It was probably (animal) activists or something like that,” he speculated.

The Fur Commission USA issued has denounced the mink release as an “attack.”

“Let’s be clear — this was not an act of compassion. This was a criminal act that harmed animals, put farm families at risk, and broke the law,” Executive Director Challis Hobbs said in a prepared statement.​..

Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Mark Maskaluk said July 8 that authorities responded to Tonn’s farm on July 3, but they have no leads or suspects.

“We are looking for that. Right now, we have nothing,” Maskaluk said. “Hopefully we can come up with something.”

The North American Animal Liberation Press Office also issued a statement crediting activists for releasing the mink in Stark County.

“The animals liberated …. have a fighting chance at life; they faced a 100% death rate if they stayed on the farm,” it said. SOURCE…

A communique was received by the North American Animal Liberation Press Office

The communique reads, in full:

In the spirit of July 4th, we decided the animals languishing on Tonn’s Mink Farm in Massillon, Ohio deserved their own independence day. The fireflies lit our path through the dark as we made our way to the fence, trusty wire-cutters in hand. We took our time with this part, cutting only the wire mesh and not the larger wires which we suspected could activate an alarm system.

Once we made it through and saw our first mink, we could not start opening cages fast enough. The mink quickly realized what was happening and started making no small amount of noise, unable to contain their excitement as they jumped from their prison cells. A quick lap around the surrounding sheds confirmed that their noise did not travel far at all.

We tore open cage after cage; after emptying several sheds, exhaustion had kicked in and we made our way back to the fence. A single mink was perched on top of it, just to the right of where we had torn it down, as if to say goodbye and reassure us that they would find their way out.

Now, reflecting on this action, all we can think about is how we cannot wait to do it again. Nothing that the cops, government or fur industry can threaten us with could ever come close to unsettling us as much as the possibility of one day having to look in the mirror and say “The animals needed me, they cried out for my help and I did nothing.”

Let us be clear: we are sending this communique for one reason alone. It isn’t to garner support or seek approval. Its not for likes or fire-emojis. This is a call to action! We needed only 2 things to accomplish what we did. Wire-cutters and a means of transportation, along with a will to act. Anyone has the same access to fur farms that we did; the animals are crying out for your help NOW! Stop thinking and doom-scrolling and act!

This action is dedicated to the Northumberland Two, Cara and Celeste. For every prisoner that they take, we will answer with the liberation of thousands!
–ALF

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