2 people arrested after 200 minks were released from Pennsylvania farm

SUNBURY, Pa. — Two people are facing charges following the release of about 200 minks from cages at a central Pennsylvania fur farm.

Most of the animals were recovered, an official said, unlike a similar incident just over a year ago in which thousands of mink were released into the area.

State police in Northumberland County said troopers were called shortly before 1 a.m. Saturday after a report that two people were filmed freeing the minks at the Richard H. Stahl Sons Inc. farm. in Rockefeller Township, outside Sunbury.

Two Massachusetts residents have been arrested for farm vandalism, criminal mischief involving property damage, theft, burglary, trespassing and animal cruelty. They were taken to the county jail. Shamokin’s News Item reported that a magisterial district judge set $150,000 cash bail for each and that a preliminary hearing was scheduled for Oct. 29.

It was unclear whether either defendant had attorneys who could speak on their behalf.

In September 2023, thousands of mink were released from the farm after holes were cut in the fence surrounding it. Police said they were informed that around 6,000 to 8,000 mink were released from their enclosures during the incident.

This time, a perimeter fence kept most, if not all, of the mink on the property, Challis Hobbs of the Fur Commission USA told PennLive.com. Security cameras installed after the 2023 release allowed for rapid notification to police, Hobbs said.

The commission called the arrests “a major victory for farmers targeted by extremist groups.”

Hobbs said farmers face “continued harassment, intrusions and threats.” He said the farm participates in a rigorous certification program to meet animal welfare standards, including third-party inspections to ensure compliance.

Released farmed mink typically die within 24 to 48 hours due to starvation, predation or accidents such as being hit by vehicles, Hobbs said.

The North American Animal Liberation Organization said on its website it was seeking help for those arrested.