Leaked security alert #8: Meeting puts Oregon mink farmers on alert

The 8th in a series of leaked Fur Commission “security alerts” Animal Liberation Frontline will be posting this month.

Background: Animal Liberation Frontline has obtained dozens of internal fur industry “security alerts.” These bulletins are sent to fur farmers via email and fax every time there is a “security” related issue affecting US fur farms. The subject matter can range from trespassers being chased from farms, to unpublicized details of ALF raids, to farmers sharing license plate numbers of “suspicious vehicles.”

These are intended to be read by fur farmers only, and were not intended to be read by the general public. I will be posting approximately 30 bulletins over the next month.

Read a full background on this series here.

A synopsis of this alert

Fur farmers are put on alert after “animal rights extremists” are expected to attend a public hearing in Astoria, Oregon.

“FCUSA Security Alert
Astoria, Oregon
November 29, 2011

Public Hearing on Mink Farm Permit this Thursday

The Portland Animal Defense League solicited enough comments to the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) to trigger a public hearing on the proposal to issue a Confined Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) permit to the Stunkard Fur Farm in Astoria.

The hearing will be in the meeting room of the Judge Guy Boyington Building located at 857 Commercial Street, Astoria, OR, 97103 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM on December 1, 2011.

Though we have been assured that the ODA will only be considering comments on the management of manure, litter, and process waste water, the event will surely attract a substantial number of animal rights extremists, so farmers in NW Oregon should be alert to any suspicious activity in their area.

Please record license numbers of unknown vehicles and descriptions of persons near your farm, and report them to Fur Commission USA and the Clatsop County Sheriffs Dept.  Check your security precautions and inform your neighbors to be aware of any unusual activity.

Michael Whelan
Fur Commission USA
541-595-8568″

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Leaked security alert #7: Farmers warned of “undercover activist threat”

The 7th in a series of leaked Fur Commission “security alerts” Animal Liberation Frontline will be posting this month.

Background: Animal Liberation Frontline has obtained dozens of internal fur industry “security alerts.” These bulletins are sent to fur farmers via email and fax every time there is a “security” related issue affecting US fur farms. The subject matter can range from trespassers being chased from farms, to unpublicized details of ALF raids, to farmers sharing license plate numbers of “suspicious vehicles.”

These are intended to be read by fur farmers only, and were not intended to be read by the general public. I will be posting approximately 30 bulletins over the next month.

Read a full background on this series here.

A synopsis of this alert

In 2011, the Fur Commission believed HSUS was seeking to obtain employment on a Wisconsin fur farm. The alarm indicated by this alert would seem to be a tacit admission that any employees would witness incriminating activity and conditions.

“Fur Commission USA
SECURITY ALERT – WISCONSIN
December 19, 2011

Undercover Activist Threat

Fur Commission USA recently received a notice informing us that Marianne Krist, an attorney for the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) has made inquiries to the Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources regarding fur farm regulations in the state.  She has a history of infiltrating and attacking animal agriculture in Wisconsin. In 2009 she entered a dog breeding facility under the guise of a local inspection, then wrote a scathing and misleading report on the conditions of the facility and the treatment of the animals.

We have reason to believe that animal rights operatives will attempt to gain access to a fur farm through either employment, or under the guise of an official inspector.  Farm managers should thoroughly screen all new hires – contacting each reference listed on applications. If approached by an apparent gov’t agent, DO NOT let them on the farm without first confirming their identity and the purpose of their visit with state or local authorities.  A genuine official will not dispute this course of action.  Do not let any cameras or video equipment on the farm under any circumstances, as activists will obtain and carefully edit images to disparage your operations.

Although we have heard only of this inquiry made in Wisconsin, it is entirely possible that the HSUS is making similar requests in other states.  If you hear of any contacts being made in your area, please inform FCUSA as soon as possible.

Please do not post this information to your website or social media such as Facebook, but we encourage you to forward this to other industry support businesses or organizations.

Check your security, and alert your employees and neighbors to be aware of any suspicious persons or vehicles in the area.   Report any unusual activity to law enforcement and Fur Commission USA

Distributed by,
Michael Whelan
Fur Commission USA
541-595-8568″

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Leaked security alert #6: Trespassers on a fur farm in Idaho

The 6th in a series of leaked Fur Commission “security alerts” to be posted over the next month.

Background: Animal Liberation Frontline has obtained dozens of internal fur industry “security alerts.” These bulletins are sent to fur farmers via email and fax every time there is a “security” related issue affecting US fur farms. The subject matter can range from trespassers being chased from farms, to unpublicized details of ALF raids, to farmers sharing license plate numbers of “suspicious vehicles.”

These are intended to be read by fur farmers only, and were not intended to be read by the general public. I will be posting approximately 30 bulletins over the next month.

Read a full background on this series here.

Synopsis of this alert

This bulletin alerts fur farmers to suspicious persons who approached an Idaho fur farm attempting to sell aerial photos. The fur industry is under such an assault, any unknown person on or near a fur farm is deemed to be suspicious, and farmers are advised to report any unknown visitors to the police.

In an almost comedic example of a backwoods, “frontier justice” attitude,  fur farmers are actually urged to forcefully detain trespassers and call police.

Our sources indicate that in most or all instances any attempt has been made to capture and detain trespassers, it has been a colossal failure.

“Fur Commission USA
Security Alert
Idaho, Utah
January 9, 2012

Last week a couple entered the Hawkes Fur Farm in Franklin ID, claiming to be professional photographers, and attempting to sell aerial photographs of the farm to the owners.  The male was approximately [description redacted]; the female was approximately [description redacted].  They were driving a [car description redacted].  The license plates were not identified. They carried a laptop computer and a video camera, and became increasingly nervous upon questioning.

If you are approached by these or any other individuals, be sure to obtain identification and/or record any identifying features.  Do not allow anyone to photograph/video on your property under any circumstances. If someone is caught on your farm without your permission, attempt to detain them without risking injury to yourself, and call your local sheriff’s office.

In order for animal rights activists to garner attention, they need to collect photographs or video of alleged animal abuse or irresponsible farm management.  Please be aware of any unknown persons or vehicles in the vicinity of your property.  If you have seen this vehicle recently, please call Fur Commission USA as soon as possible.

Distributed by,
Michael Whelan
Fur Commission USA
541-595-8568″

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Leaked security alert #5: Warning about “Ghosts in Our Machine” filmmaker

The 5th in a series of leaked Fur Commission “security alerts” to be posted over the next month.

Background: Animal Liberation Frontline has obtained dozens of internal fur industry “security alerts.” These bulletins are sent to fur farmers via email and fax every time there is a “security” related issue affecting US fur farms. The subject matter can range from trespassers being chased from farms, to unpublicized details of ALF raids, to farmers sharing license plate numbers of “suspicious vehicles.”

These are intended to be read by fur farmers only, and were not intended to be read by the general public. I will be posting approximately 30 bulletins over the next month.

Read a full background on this series here.

A synopsis of this alert

The acclaimed documentary “The Ghosts in Our Machine” debuted this month. And in 2012, the Fur Commission sent out this bulletin warning fur farmers not to speak to its filmmaker, Liz Marshall, who at the time was seeking interviews for the film.

“Fur Commission USA
Security Alert
January 13, 2012

Documentary filmmaker seeking farm footage

Liz Marshall, a pro animal rights activist and filmmaker, may be approaching fur farmers asking them to participate in the production of her film “The Ghosts in Our Machine”.  Regardless of what she or her crew might say, the film is a hit-piece on animal agriculture.

Do not be deceived by false claims that she “wants you to tell your story” or that you can “tell the public the truth about your business”.  Flattery and claiming to “make you a star” are tactics often used by these people to gain inside access.

If approached, politely decline to be interviewed and do not allow them to enter your property.  If they are filming you, quietly walk away and call Fur Commission and your local sheriff’s office.  Do not allow a confrontation to be filmed.

For more information on the movie, and photos of the crew members go to: http://www.theghostsinourmachine.com/

Distributed by,
Michael Whelan
Fur Commission USA
541-595-8568″

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Leaked security alert #4: “Convicted felon” urging attacks on farms

The 4th in a series of leaked Fur Commission “security alerts” Animal Liberation Frontline is posting over the next month.

Background: Animal Liberation Frontline has obtained dozens of internal fur industry “security alerts.” These bulletins are sent to fur farmers via email and fax every time there is a “security” related issue affecting US fur farms. The subject matter can range from trespassers being chased from farms, to unpublicized details of ALF raids, to farmers sharing license plate numbers of “suspicious vehicles.”

These are intended to be read by fur farmers only, and were not intended to be read by the general public. I will be posting approximately 30 bulletins over the next month.

Read a full background on this series here.

This security memo: A synopsis

This is the first of several security alerts I’ve had the good fortune of being the subject of.

From “ag-gag” laws to the Animal Enterprise Terrorist Act, it’s no secret animal abusers are contemptuous of the First Amendment. This security alert urges fur farmers to protest my 2012 talk at Utah Valley University by sending letters to school and government officials.

Also no secret: animal abusers are contemptuous of using facts to advance their arguments – Had I “explicity” (sic) told the audience to attack mink farms, as the alert states, I’m fairly certain I would be in prison right now.

Fur farmers were particularly offended by this talk because it took place in Utah County, home to what is probably more mink farms than any other county in the US.

Note: This was also the same talk where a suspicious note was left behind by a possible FBI informant, warning me: “You are being watched by the FBI.” (See “Possible FBI Informant Leaves Behind a Note).

“Fur Commission USA
Action Alert – Utah
April 13, 2012

As you are probably aware, convicted felon and long-time adversary of the mink producers Peter Young, spoke at Utah Valley University (UVU) last week. In his speech he explicity told audience members to attack mink farms in the area. 

I have sent a letter (attached here) to the President of the University, the University Board of Trustees, the state legislators that represent the district where UVU is located, Utah Senators Orrin Hatch and Mike Lee, and Congressman Jason Chaffetz.

If you feel so inclined, I urge you to also contact University representatives and/or your legislators regarding the event. Here are some points you may want to cover:

  •     Peter Young is a convicted felon who has targeted the mink industry for years.
  •     Peter Young explicitly told members of the audience to commit crimes against area mink farmers.
  •     Utah has the largest number of mink ranches in the country, and contributes tens of millions of dollars to the state economy.
  •     The fur industry supports thousands of jobs in the state.
  •     Utah Valley University is a taxpayer funded institution, and by sponsoring an event where criminal actions were encouraged, is implicitly endorsing such actions.

Also attached is the contact information for various parties that can affect University policy.

Regards,
Michael

Michael Whelan
Fur Commission USA”

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Leaked security alert #3: Fear of daylight raid during “fur farm tour”

The third in a series of leaked Fur Commission “security alerts” Animal Liberation Frontline will be posting over the next month.

Background: Animal Liberation Frontline has obtained dozens of internal fur industry “security alerts.” These bulletins are sent to fur farmers via email and fax every time there is a “security” related issue affecting US fur farms. The subject matter can range from trespassers being chased from farms, to unpublicized details of ALF raids, to farmers sharing license plate numbers of “suspicious vehicles.”These are intended to be read by fur farmers only, and were not intended to be read by the general public. I will be posting approximately 30 bulletins over the next month.

Read a full background on this series here.

Security alert #3

This third bulletin was sent to fur farmers to warn them of a planned “fur farm tour” by the Seattle Animal Defense League. It alludes heavily to the threat of protesters carrying out a daylight raid (as happened at a mink farm in Snohomish, WA in 1999).

Fur Commission USA
Security Alert – State of Washington
May 14, 2012

Animal rights protestors have planned a “Fur Farm Tour” in Washington for the afternoon of Sunday May 20. They are scheduled to meet at 2:00 PM at the Park & Ride on 8th Ave. in downtown Seattle, then take a charter bus to local farms. It is unknown how many protesters will attend.

Please make sure your security system is visible and operational. Inform your immediate neighbors that this may occur. Fur Commission will be monitoring the situation, and will try and alert you ahead of time if they are headed to your farm. If protesters show up at your facility:

  •     Call your local police or sheriff’s department immediately,
  •     Have fencing and clear signage delineating private property.
  •     Do not engage them in debate or conversation.
  •     Video tape everything.

Protesters will attempt to create a confrontation. Do not take the bait. They are well versed in the law, and will do their best to incite you to violate their civil rights in order to file a lawsuit. Do not engage them in any way.

Also be aware that they will likely scout a facility a day or two before their arrival. If signs are removed replace them as soon as possible. Report any suspicious activity, including descriptions and/or license plates, to law enforcement and Fur Commission USA.

If you have any additional questions or concerns, please call Fur Commission at 541-595-868

Distributed by,
Michael Whelan
Fur Commission USA
www.furcommission.com

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Leaked security bulletin #2: Suspicious photographer in Iowa

The second in a series of leaked Fur Commission “security alerts” Animal Liberation Frontline will be posting over the next month.

Background: Animal Liberation Frontline has obtained dozens of internal fur industry “security alerts.” These bulletins are sent to fur farmers via email and fax every time there is a “security” related issue affecting US fur farms. The subject matter can range from trespassers being chased from farms, to unpublicized details of ALF raids, to farmers sharing license plate numbers of “suspicious vehicles.”

These are intended to be read by fur farmers only, and were not intended to be read by the general public. I will be posting approximately 30 bulletins over the next month.

Read a full background on this series here.

The second security alert covers a person deemed suspicious taking photos of an Iowa mink farm.

“Fur Commission USA
Security Alert: Iowa
April 19, 2012

A vehicle pulled into the driveway of an Iowa mink rancher yesterday near Osage IA, whereas the occupant ([body type redacted]) got out and took pictures of the property.

The farm owner spotted him and followed him as he fled. The vehicle was a [car description redacted] [license plate redacted] The individual has been seen taking photos near the property on several other occasions (See Security Alert dated March 19, 2012).

Farmers in the area are urged to be on the lookout, and report to Fur Commission USA and their local law enforcement agency, any sightings of this vehicle in the vicinity of their property.

Distributed by
Michael Whelan
Fur Commission USA
541-595-8568″

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Leaked security alert #1: Aspiring fur farmer outed, more

The first in a series of leaked Fur Commission “security alerts” Animal Liberation Frontline will be posting over the next month.

Background: Animal Liberation Frontline has obtained dozens of internal fur industry “security alerts.” These bulletins are sent to fur farmers via email and fax every time there is a “security” related issue affecting US fur farms. The subject matter can range from trespassers being chased from farms, to unpublicized details of ALF raids, to farmers sharing license plate numbers of “suspicious vehicles.”

These are intended to be read by fur farmers only, and were not intended to be read by the general public. I will be posting approximately 30 bulletins over the next month.

Read a full background on this series here.

A synopsis of this alert

The first bulletin in this series covers what is apparently an aspiring fur farmer looking to purchase breeding stock. Her inquiries with Utah mink farmers made them uneasy, and prompted this alert. If this woman successfully opened a mink farm, its address is not yet known.

The second portion covers a suspicious vehicle seen near a Hyrum, Utah mink farm.

“Fur Commission USA
Security Alert – Utah
May 8, 2012

A young woman from Mt. Pleasant UT named Amy Lamb has called several mink ranches asking to buy breeding stock. The number she is calling from is 435-851-3538 and is registered in Manti, UT. After speaking with her and doing some research, I believe she is legitimate, though naive about our industry. She is 21 years old and the daughter of Art and Molly Lamb of Mt. Pleasant. She has experience in raising sheep and cattle, and has been involved in the Mt. Pleasant Rodeo.

If you receive a call from her, please ask that she get in touch with Fur Commission for more information on mink farming.  I have asked her to please stop calling ranches.


At approximately 11:30 PM on April 23rd, a [car description redacted] with [license plate redacted] was seen outside a mink ranch near Hyrum UT. If you see this vehicle near your property please call your local law enforcement agency and Fur Commission USA.

Distributed by,
Michael Whelan
Fur Commission USA
541-595-8568″

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Announcing huge purge of internal fur industry “Security Alerts”

To celebrate the surge of recent fur farm raids, Animal Liberation Frontline is posting 30+ fur industry “security alerts” over the next month.

As US fur farmers face a (nearly) unprecedented “security crisis” with 10 raids in 4 months, Animal Liberation Frontline will be posting over 30 internal fur industry security bulletins going back to 2008, including several offering new details on the recent raids.

Background

Over the 4+ years of this site, Animal Liberation Frontline has taken on one role not originally intended: Serving, at times, as an informal “animal rights Wikileaks.” I’ve had the good fortune of being provided dozens and dozens of interesting documents and leaked emails over the years, and it’s this material that I consider the highlight of everything here.

Because the work of the Animal Liberation Front has leaned heavily towards fur, much of these documents have pertained that industry. These have included a leaked letter from a fur farmer describing the aftermath of a raid by the Animal Liberation Front, the much-rumored-of-but-never-seen Fur Commission security manual for fur farmers, and even the minutes for the Fur Commission’s annual meeting in Park City, Utah.

These documents have also included quite a few of the Fur Commission’s “security alerts,” sent by email and fax to fur farmer’s every time there is a security-related matter. This can run the range from news of an ALF action, to warning mink farmers to be on alert because of “radical” speaking events at colleges near fur farms (seriously).

Releasing over 30+ bulletins over the next month

Animal Liberation Frontline has been provided with several dozen of these bulletins, intended only to be seen by fur farmers. Over the next month, I will be posting over 30 of them.

Many of them are of little value beyond a voyeuristic look into the “private” communications of the opposition. And many of them are quite interesting, documenting incidents such as attempted (and unclaimed) raids, fur farmers chasing trespassers, and more.

What are Fur Commission “Security Alerts”?

These bulletins are sent to fur farmers via email and fax by the Fur Commission USA, a trade group for the “farming” side of the fur industry. They represent over 400 mink and fox farms in North America.

The bulletins mostly aim to warn fur farmers of an impending security issue, such as suspicious vehicles seen near farms, the presence of legal animal rights activity (i.e. protests, conferences, etc) occurring in fur farming areas, and more.

Their intended audience is extremely limited. They are only sent to the 400 or so fur farmers on the the Fur Commission’s email list, and possibly a handful of other potential ALF targets (such as feed suppliers).

The audience that was never intended was an audience they will now have: a public one.

Alerts going back to 2008

Over the next month I will be posting every “security bulletin” I’ve been provided, going back to 2008.

Check back daily, or sign up for the email list to receive every post.

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Bloody photos from inside a raided mink farm in Oregon

Private photos give a behind-the-scenes look at the Masog mink ranch in Oregon.

In 1997, an unclaimed action saw 80 mink released from the Masog fur farm in Oregon.

Animal Liberation Frontline has obtained photos from inside this farm, not intended to be seen by the public.

The photos show:

  • Bloody clothing of Nicholas Masog, taken (apparently) after skinning mink.
  • Inside one of the mink sheds.
  • Mink pelts hung in a processing room after skinning.
  • A bin of dead mink.
  • Other photos from inside the farm.

These photos speak loudly to the motives of the Animal Liberation Front.

bloody-pants_Nov10

Blood-stained pants of a worker at the Masog mink farm.

body drum farm_Nov10 farm_Nov10b  farm_Nov10d farm_Nov10e farm_Nov10f farm_Nov10g feed room new-mixer_Feb11

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Leaked bulletin: Released mink number in Iowa climbs to 500

Animal Liberation Frontline obtains confidential “security alert” for recent Iowa mink release.

Media reports on the recent mink release in Keota, Iowa state that around 100 animals were liberated. However according to a private bulletin obtained by Animal Liberation Frontline, the number is closer to 500.

The full “security alert”, sent to fur farmers by the Fur Commission, is below. These bulletins are distributed via email and fax to fur farmers after fur farm raids and suspicious activity on farms. They are not intended to be read by the public.

The number of mink quoted is a discrepancy of 500% from numbers given to the media. This is yet another example of the actual number of animals released to be very different than numbers given to the media. Based on information obtained in court cases and other sources, the figures made public can be both more and less than the true figure. While insurance fraud is a potential motive for overstating the number of animals released, the motive for under-reporting is left to speculation.

More discrepancies

While the official line in the media has been that this mink release was a “prank” and not the work of those with an animal liberation motive, behind the scenes the fur industry is saying otherwise.. In this alert, the Fur Commission clearly presupposes the action is the work of “animal rights terrorists.”

According to the alert, the mink farm targeted did not even have a fence.

The full security alert reads:

“Fur Commission USA
Security Alert – Farm Attack in Iowa
August 30, 2013

Early this morning a farm was attacked outside the town of Keota in western Iowa. An estimated 500 mink have been released. Law enforcement is on site, and the family is in the process of trying to rescue the animals. The farmer did not have any fencing around the mink yard.

This is the third mink farm attack in the US since late July. All farmers are urged to be especially alert as animal rights terrorists are actively searching for, and attacking soft targets. Please arrange nightly patrols if you do not already have them. Updates will be circulated as they become available.

Distributed by,
Michael Whelan
Fur Commission USA
541-595-8568”

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More “Security Alerts”: Fur Commission Memos on Five ALF Fur Industry Actions

The memos fur farmers woke up to the morning after five Animal Liberation Front actions.

Part twenty in a thirty-article series this month on the ALF’s fur farm campaign. One article a day will be posted the month of December.

Every time a fur farmer sees a strange vehicle, chases off an intruder, or gets a suspicious phone call, the Fur Commission sends out a “Security Alert” to its members. These alerts are intended to be read by fur farmers only, but several dozen have been obtained by Animal Liberation Frontline.

I’m posting a collection of alerts sent out about the last five Animal Liberation Front actions against the fur industry. While most other alerts document indicators of possible future ALF actions, those here cover actual ALF actions.

For those who follow these actions closely, there are a few pieces of new, inside  information embedded throughout: the number of animals not recaptured, a reference to evidence found at a “crime scene,” and other suspicious activity detected around the time of the ALF actions.

The alerts cover these actions in 2011 & 2012:

D&S fox farm liberation
Miller Mink Farm liberation (two alerts)
Palmer Erickson fur farm liberation
Astoria, Oregon fur farm liberation
Rocky Mountain Fur & Fireworks arson

D&S Fox Farm Raid

In this alert, the Fur Commission speculates this fox liberation is related to the nearby Animal Rights Conference 2012, and that myself and others at the conference “incited” others to commit crimes.  (Note: I have redacted speculation about the owner of the Coalition Against Fur Farms site.)

“Fur Commission USA
Security Alert OH, PA, IN, IL
August 6, 2012

Early yesterday morning animal rights extremists broke into D&S Fox Farm near Elkton Virginia, and released all 13 silver foxes on the farm. They also claim to have destroyed farm equipment during the raid.

At the time, the National Animal Rights Convention in Alexandria VA was coming to a close, where known “liberationist” and convicted felon Peter Young, among others, were speaking. Young, naive activists likely were incited at the conference to commit crimes against family farms.

On July 16, Coalition Against Fur Farms listed the address and owner of D&S Fox Farm as a “new discovery” on their website. It is generally agreed that the website is owned by [REDACTED].

The attackers may be heading west on the road home from the Conference, so resource providers in OH, IN, IL and possibly Southern PA are urged to be on high alert over the next few days. Please report any unknown vehicles or persons near your facility to Fur Commission USA and your local law enforcement agency.

Distributed by,
Michael Whelan
Fur Commission USA”

Miller Mink Farm alert #1

In this bulletin, the Fur Commission announces the release of 1,100 mink from a farm in northeastern Washington state, and alludes to a connection to a suspicious vehicle seen (presumably) near the Roessler Brothers mink farm near Startup, WA.

“Fur Commission USA
Security Alert –Iowa, Pacific Northwest
October 12, 2011

Early this morning Gina and Mike Miller arose to find that animal rights extremists had broke into their farm in Gifford WA, and released approximately 1,100 mink. The Miller family, with help from their friends and neighbors, are presently re-capturing the animals and the FBI in both Seattle and Spokane have been alerted.  More information will be sent as it becomes available.

On Saturday, an {redacted} was seen outside an abandoned pelting shed near Startup WA.  A [description and age redacted] old was spotted taking photos of the shed with a high powered lens.  The vehicle was occupied by several other persons.  When approached the car sped away.  No other information is available.”

Miller Mink Farm alert #2

In this memo, the Fur Commission gives an update and reveals that 100 mink remain free the day after the liberation at Miller Mink Farm.

While the Fur Commission generally claim fur farm raids are the work of one cell traveling the country, after two raids in two days over a thousand miles apart, they are forced to state: “It has become apparent that more than one cell is at work in these attacks.”

“Fur Commission USA
Security Update
October 13, 2011

Status of Farm Raids, Investigations

An anonymous claim of guilt has been posted on the internet regarding the attack on the Miller Mink Farm in Gifford WA. It can be found on www.directaction.info. In light of this we will be posting a press release outlining the recent actions targeting US farms, that will be posted on www.furcommission.com within the next hour. If you are contacted by a reporter, please do not comment, and forward any requests for comment to Fur Commission at 541-595-8568 or mw@furcommission.com. Also, do not let anyone but law enforcement onto your farm.

As of last night, the Millers had recaptured all but about 100 of the 1,100 released mink, and had set traps to try and collect the remaining animals. Agents from the FBI Spokane office were on the scene within hours of the attack

Also as of last night, the two people arrested in the attack on Steve Krege’s farm are still in custody and are being questioned by the FBI. I will send out updates as they become available.

It has become apparent that more than one cell is at work in these attacks. Please be extremely vigilant concerning strangers around your farm. Take photos of vehicles, or persons of interest. Record license plates and physical descriptions. Make sure your neighbors are aware of the recent raids, and that they too are alert to suspicious activity. Contact your local Sheriff’s Dept or PD and let them know what is happening around the country. Sometimes the smallest bit of information from Minnesota can result in the arrest of extremists in Utah.

Activists use satellite imagery (Google Maps) to research entry and exit points on the farms, as well as routes to and from your immediate area. Be aware of any nearby parking areas that are in walking distance to the back of your farm. If possible, hire a night watchman for a couple weeks.

Hopefully, as we harden the targets these attacks will subside and/or the perpetrators will be caught. Please contact Fur Commission with any information you obtain that can help law enforcement keep our farms safe.

Michael Whelan
Fur Commission USA
541-595-8568”

Palmer Erickson mink farm raid

The Fur Commission states here that the fur farm raiders left behind several “incriminating” pieces of evidence, which was collected by the FBI.

This memo also reveals that the raid was discovered in the pre-dawn hours because of a barking dog.

“Fur Commission USA
SECURITY ALERT – Midwest US
October 7, 2011

Mink Release in Iowa

Early this morning animal rights extremists broke into Palmer Erickson’s fur farm in Jewell IA and released approximately 1,600 mink. The attack was discovered when the family dogs started barking in the pre-dawn hours. The assailants opened pens in 4 sheds on the perimeter of the farm. Local sheriffs and the Des Moines FBI have gathered promising evidence, as the perpetrators left behind several incriminating items.

Neighbors and friends immediately came to the Erickson’s aide, and have recaptured most of the mink. The farm is adjacent to several large corn fields, so they expect to continue collecting the remaining animals for several days.

No claims of responsibility have surfaced yet. Farmers and resource providers in adjacent counties and states are urged to check their security systems and be extra vigilant in the coming weeks. This is the third attack related to fur production in the past 10 days, and more incidents may occur. Any suspicious activity should be immediately reported to law enforcement and Fur Commission USA.

Michael Whelan
Fur Commission USA”

Arson at Rocky Mountain Fireworks & Fur alert

The damage is described as “minimal”, yet the Fur Commission believes the fire “marks a significant escalation of tactics by violent animal rights extremists against the US fur industry.”

“Fur Commission USA
Security Alert
September 27, 2011

Arson Attack on Idaho Fur Store

Early Monday morning animal rights terrorists attacked Rocky Mountain Fireworks & Fur in Caldwell Idaho, using multiple incendiary devices. Firefighters from six different agencies battled the blaze that closed down Idaho Highway 30. An anonymous communiqué delivered to the Bite Back website claimed the crime was committed by “The Arson Unit” and marks a significant escalation of tactics by violent animal rights extremists against the US fur industry. Federal agents from the ATF in Boise, as well as the FBI in Salt Lake City and Seattle are investigating the attack.

There were no injuries and the fire was contained without significant damage to the fireworks or fur articles, said fire official Marty Ogan. “It was stopped relatively quickly, overall, there was a minimal amount of damage.” In addition to selling fireworks, the business buys wild fur pelts and sells trapping supplies.

Resource providers in Southern Idaho and Northern Utah should review their security precautions and immediately report any suspicious persons, vehicles or activity to law enforcement and Fur Commission USA.

Distributed by
Fur Commission USA
www.furcommission.com”

Astoria mink liberation alert

According to this memo, 40 of the 300 animals released had not been recaptured at the time it was distributed.

“Pacific Northwest
SECURITY ALERT
September 25, 2011

Mink farm attacked in Oregon

At approximately 1:30 AM this morning, unknown animal rights terrorists broke into a mink farm near Astoria Oregon, releasing approximately 300 animals. The farmer, with help from his friends and neighbors successfully recaptured all but about 40 of the animals within the first few hours. They continue to search for the remaining mink.

On Thursday a suspicious woman, about [REDACTED] yrs old, [REDACTED] lbs was seen near the Roesler Bros. farm. When approached she covered her face and drove away in a late model [REDACTED].

All farmers and other resource providers are urged to take extra security precautions and report any unknown persons near their animal facilities.

Please contact the FBI, your local police and Fur Commission USA if you suspect you may be targeted for attack.

Michael Whelan
Fur Commission USA
541-595-8568”

This is the 20th of 30 articles I will be posting in December on the ALF’s fur farm campaign. Sign up for the email list to get every update sent to your inbox, or check back daily.

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