The Canadian Mink Breeders Association is offering $100,000 for information that leads to conviction of animal rights activists blamed for breaking into two Ontario mink farms this year.
An unknown number of people broke into a mink farm near St. Marys, Ont., July 7 and released approximately 6,000 mink.
The activists gained access to the farm by cutting down four sections of a wire fence that surrounded the mink containment facilities. Culprits then removed hundreds of nesting boxes that contained juvenile mink and put them on the ground, allowing the animals to roam free.
Gary Hazlewood, executive director of the mink breeders association, said most of the mink have since been recovered, but the incident highlights the need for improved security and stiffer penalties.
