Investigation underway after intruders break into east Idaho farm and set 1,500 mink loose
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FRANKLIN — An investigation is underway after masked intruders broke into a farm facility early Saturday morning and released around 1,500 mink.
It happened at Windy Peaks in Franklin around 2:35 a.m., according to a news release from Fur Commission USA.
The farm’s security system detected the intruders and prevented further activity, but the release resulted in significant loss for the farm.
“Many mink were struck and killed by vehicles on nearby roads, while others have suffered from dehydration, heat exhaustion, and exposure,” the release said. “Farmers continued working late into the night to care for distressed animals, including providing water by hand to mink struggling to recover.”
Around 100 people from the Franklin community, including the mayor and city council members, helped farm owners Jeff and Jill Hobbs recover the animals. Roadblocks were set up to prevent additional mink from being struck by vehicles.
“These animals depend on us for food, water, and care,” said Jeff Hobbs. “What kind of person turns more than a thousand animals loose, knowing they could be run over, starve, or die from dehydration? There is nothing humane about that.”
About 80% of the released mink were recovered and returned to Windy Peaks, a family-owned farm that has been around for four generations.
“It is heartbreaking to see animals suffer and die because of these actions,” said Jill Hobbs. “But in the middle of such a difficult day, our community showed up for us…and we are incredibly grateful for the kindness and support we’ve received.”
The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident and Fur Commission USA is condemning the acts.
“Those responsible for this attack are terrorists, plain and simple,” said Challis Hobbs, Executive Director of Fur Commission USA. “The federal Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act treats qualifying attacks intended to damage or interfere with animal enterprises as federal terrorism offenses.”
Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office.