Document: Complete set of internal fur industry security alerts

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Read complete set of 42 leaked Fur Commission security alerts in one PDF.

Over the past month, I have posted 35 security alerts sent to fur farmers by the Fur Commission (and 7 more in the year prior).

The audience for these is probably very small, of interest to people like:

• Activists interested in how industry talks about them when they think no one is listening.
• Those who end up in these alerts as “suspects” for being seen near fur farms (for whatever reason).
• The anonymous individuals of the Animal Liberation Front, whose work is the primary inspiration for these alerts.

While the audience is limited, I decided to post these over the past month in the interest of documenting a rare glimpse into the how an industry under siege responds to the threat of animal rights activists.

I have compiled every security alert I’ve obtained into one PDF document.

Download here.

Some background, if you haven’t followed this series:

All 42 security alerts: Links to every article

Announcing huge purge of internal fur industry “Security Alerts” (Series launch & background)
Leaked security alert #1: Aspiring fur farmer outed, more
Leaked security alert #2: Suspicious photographer in Iowa
Leaked security alert #3: Fear of daylight raid during “fur farm tour”
Leaked security alert #4: “Convicted felon” urging attacks on farms
Leaked security alert #5: Warning about “Ghosts in Our Machine” filmmaker
Leaked security alert #6: Trespassers on a fur farm in Idaho
Leaked security alert #7: Farmers warned of “undercover activist threat”
Leaked security alert #8: Meeting puts Oregon mink farmers on alert
Five leaked security alerts on Iowa fur farm arrests
Leaked Security Alert #10: “Suspicious” persons scouting Utah fur farm
Leaked security alert #11: Fur farmers follow suspicious car in Idaho
Leaked security alert #12: ALF raids fox farm during animal rights conference
Leaked security alert #13: Details on recent Utah mink release
Leaked security alert #14: Two activists arrested with “burglary tools”
Leaked security Alert #15: 400 mink released in Iowa
Leaked security alert #16: Farmers told to call police if their address is on the internet
Leaked security alert #17: Farmers warned of raids after talk by “extremist” felon
Leaked security alert #18: Two cars seen scouting Oregon fur farm
Leaked security alert #19: Thousands of mink freed in Idaho
Leaked security alert #20: New security advice for fur farms
Leaked security alert #21: Fur farmers upset over being ignored by police
Leaked security alert #22: Suspects seen scouting Wisconsin mink farm
Leaked security alert #23: Oregon fur farm reports trespassers
Leaked security alert #24: Car drives onto Utah mink farm
Leaked security alert #25: Unreported theft of 600 mink from Idaho farm
Leaked security alert #26: “Suspicious activity” alert after ag-gag charges dropped against Utah activist
Leaked security alert #27: Man seen taking notes outside Oregon mink farm
Leaked security alert #28: FBI claims “promising” evidence in Illinois mink farm raid
Leaked security alert #29: Unclaimed mink release in Minnesota
Leaked security alert #30: Farmers on alert over new Earth Crisis album
Final security alert: Police stop “animal rights felon”

Alerts posted prior to this month:
Leaked security alert: Released mink number in Iowa climbs to 500
More Leaked “Security Alerts”: Fur Commission Memos on Five ALF Fur Industry Actions
Leaked Security Alert: Two Suspicious Vehicles Seen at Fur Farms
Leaked Security Alert: Fur Farmers Look Into Lawsuit Against This Site
Leaked Security Alert: How Two Fur Farm Raiders Were Caught
Hunt for suspicious car in massive fur farm campaign
Security Memo: Unreported Fur Farm Raid Attempt in Idaho

Leaked Fur Commission "security alerts", 2009 – 2013

Final security alert: Police stop “animal rights felon”

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The last in a series of leaked Fur Commission “security alerts.”

Synopsis of this alert

While usually prone to hyperbole and inaccuracies, this particular alert – although not terribly interesting – is 100% true.

“FCUSA Security Alert
July 3, 2009
Farmers Urged to Be Alert

Franklin, Idaho law enforcement pulled over convicted animal rights felon Peter Daniel Young today. Young, who served time for over million dollars in damages on farms in multiple states, was traveling with a female redhead in her early 20s and driving a rented white Toyota Yaris. They were filming farms.

Utah farmers reported suspicious people on their farms and trespassers with video cameras were seen in Oregon earlier this year.”

Leaked security alert #30: Farmers on alert over new Earth Crisis album

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The 30th in a series of leaked Fur Commission “security alerts” Animal Liberation Front-line is posting this month.

A synopsis of this alert

When they think they’re only talking amongst themselves, animal abusers wear their naivete on their sleeves.

In this series I’ve posted internal fur industry communications in which farmers express confusion over not being coddled by police and suggestions to call police if their address is on the internet, among other bizarre examples. This is another one for that list.

In this alert, among the usual mentions of ALF prisoners and documentary filmmakers seeking footage, the FCUSA thought it necessary to warn farmers that vegan band Earth Crisis has a new album out. Lock your doors.

“FCUSA Security Alert

July 21, 2009

Farmers Urged to Be Alert

In Utah, the trials of William “BJ” Viehl and Alex Hall, which were schedueld for July 27, 28, 29 in Salt Lake City, have been postponed until late August or early September. Bail was revoked for Viehl and Hall for violating the terms of their pre-trial conditions. Viehl, it is alleged, communicated with ALF / ELF criminals in violation of his bail terms. Both will remain in the Davis County Jail in Farmington, Utah until their court dates.

Again, in Utah, Jordan Halliday, jailed for refusing to cooperate with a grand jury, was indicted with felony contempt of court. He has been released on bail.

Convicted criminal Peter Daniel Young, who served time for over million dollars in damages to farms in multiple states, has been spotted in Oregon and Idaho doing surveillance and filming farms. He was traveling in a rental car with [name redacted].

A new book on Rodney Coronado, Operation Bite Back, has just been released.

Earth Crisis has released its To The Death album.

Skin Trade, a film attacking the natural fiber fur clothing business, is in production.

Several suspicious people have approached farmers seeking work. Farmers are being targeted with cameras, sometimes hidden (in shirt buttons, glasses, hats, bandanas, purses, etc). Assume there may be a camera rolling when approached by strangers.

Do not hesitate to contact local law enforcement about anything or anyone appearing out of place in your neighborhood. Please pass over any license plates, description or suspicious people and vehicles to Fur Commission USA and we can check names of anyone considered for employment.

Fur Commission USA maintains a detailed Neighborhood Watch Report that is available for you and law enforcement. Ask us for it.

Distributed by Teresa Platt,
Fur Commission USA,
www.furcommission.com,
619-575-0139.
furfarmers@aol.com”

Leaked security alert #29: Unclaimed mink release in Minnesota

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The 29th in a series of leaked Fur Commission “security alerts” Animal Liberation Frontline is posting this month.

Synopsis of this alert

This offers new details on an unclaimed mink release from 2009. This incident had been previously reported, but very few details were available until now.

According to this report, mink were released within the fence, and presumably all were recaptured.

“FCUSA Security Alert
September 8, 2009

Attempted Attack on Mink Farm

Sunday, 9:30 pm, September 6, 2009, Richmond Minnesota – The Lang Farm reported spotting trespassers on the farm, police chased them and heard them jump the fence, moving through the brush around the farm (wearing night vision goggles?). No holes cut in fence but mink lose in and out of the mink yard (less than 50).

Farmers urged to remain alert as this was obviously an attempt  to release the mink and often such events happen to several farms wthin a week, all within driving distance of each other.”

Security alert #28: FBI claims new evidence in Illinois mink farm raid

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The 28th in a series of leaked Fur Commission “security alerts” Animal Liberation Frontline is posting this month.

A synopsis of this alert

On August 14th, 2,000 mink were released from a small mink farm in Illinois. The raid went unclaimed, and received little media coverage.

These two alerts reveal new details about this raid that were not made public. A few of the more interesting details:

• Every animal was released in the raid. This detail was not previously made public.
• One-third of the fencing was removed.
• Vehicles were sprayed with “aviation stripper” and “Love is liberation” was painted on a barn.
• The FBI visited the farm twice.
• Security cameras on a neighboring property were said to pick up “promising images.”

Also included is a note to fur farmers to be suspicious of anyone approaching them offering security services.

“Fur Commission USA
Security Alert – Update on IL farm attack
August 15, 2013

The mink rancher who suffered the farm attack Wednesday morning has, at this point, collected over 2/3 of the mink released.  The perpetrators released all of the 2,000 mink on the property, as well as tearing down about 1/3 of the chicken-wire perimeter fence.  Animals continue to return to the ranch as they become hungry, thirsty and frightened.

In addition to the release and the destruction of fencing, 2 vehicles were sprayed with aviation paint stripper, and “Love is Liberation” was painted on the barn/processing shed.

The FBI has had agents at the farm twice since yesterday, and have stated there are some leads.  A surveillance camera on a neighbor’s property has caught some promising images.

All farmers should check and secure their perimeter fencing, and be on the lookout for any suspicious vehicles or persons near their facility.  Any chicken-wire should be replaced with corrugated metal or other solid materials when possible.  Alarm systems and/or cameras should also be installed.

In related news, several farms are reporting being approached by individual “security professionals”.  When meeting with these people, please do it off-site, and be sure to check all references carefully.  Fur Commission can also help with checking references.

For more information on farm security protocols, please contact Fur Commission USA.

Distributed by,
Michael Whelan
Fur Commission USA
mw@furcommission.com

– – – – – –

Fur Commission USA
Security Alert – Farm Attack in Illinois
August 14, 2013

Early this morning, a mink farm near Morris Illinois was attacked by animal rights extremists.  At this time, it is unknown exactly how many animals were released. In addition to the release, fences were torn down, vehicles were damaged and a structure was painted with “Liberation is Love”.

This is the second farm attack in 4 weeks, so ranchers are strongly urged to take serious security precautions.  Fencing should be strengthened, employees and family members should be briefed, and law enforcement should be made aware of your location and the recent attacks.  Nightwatchman should alter routines as to not be predictable. Any unusual lights or noises at night need to be immediately investigated.

Report any suspicious vehicles or persons to law enforcement and Fur Commission USA.  More details will be made available as they become known.

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

Leaked security alert #27: Mystery notetaker seen outside Oregon mink farm

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The 27th in a series of leaked Fur Commission “security alerts” Animal Liberation Frontline is posting this month.

A synopsis of this alert

Oregon seems to top the list of most reports of suspicious activity. In this alert, a man is seen taking notes outside a Mt. Angel mink farm.

“Fur Commission USA
Security Alert – Oregon
March 2, 2013

Wednesday afternoon a [plate and description redacted], was seen parked outside a mink farm in Mt. Angel Oregon. The single occupant, a male in his late twenties or early 30s with [description redacted], seemed to be entering something in a notebook. The rancher approached the vehicle and the subject quickly fled before being questioned. Law enforcement has been contacted, but if this individual or vehicle is seen in the vicinity of your property, please report it to your local law enforcement agents and Fur Commission USA.

Distributed by,
Michael Whelan
Fur Commission USA”

Leaked security alert #26: “Suspicious activity” alert after ag-gag charges dropped against Utah activist

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The 26th in a series of leaked Fur Commission “security alerts” Animal Liberation Frontline is posting this month.

A synopsis of this alert

The Fur Commission commits more fear mongering by “alerting” farmers to a benign protest occurring at a slaughterhouse outside of Salt Lake City, scheduled after ag-gag charges were dropped against an activists arrested for filming there.

This slaughterhouse is very close to (and on the same street as) the Dixon mink farm, also in Draper / Bluffdale.

“Fur Commission USA
Security Alert – Utah
May 16, 2013

Recently, criminal charges were dropped against a well-known Utah animal rights activist, Amy Meyer, for violating Utah’s Farm Protection Act (making illicit video of farm practices). In support of her there is a protest, “200 Cameras, 200 Activists”, scheduled for Saturday, May 18th at 2:00 PM. Reports indicate that the protest will be held at the Smith & Sons Meatpacking plant (12450 S. Pony Express Road in Draper, Utah). The participants are meeting to carpool from the South Jordan Walmart parking lot at 1:30 PM.

Fur Commission urges all mink ranchers in the area to be on alert this weekend for any suspicious activity near their facility, and to alert local law enforcement agents of the potential for actions targeting your property.

Any additional information discovered will be broadcast as it becomes available.

Distributed by,
Michael Whelan
Fur Commission USA”

Leaked security alert #25: 600 mink vanish from Idaho farm

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The 25th in a series of leaked Fur Commission “security alerts” Animal Liberation Frontline is posting this month.

A synopsis of this alert

In the spring of 2013, Wisconsin media picked up the story of mink reportedly stolen from a mink farm. All indicators are that it was a theft for profit, and not the work of animal liberators.

This alert reveals a second, similar theft from an Idaho farm. In this “theft,” 600 mink went missing from cages. This incident was never picked up by the media, and is first being made public in this alert.

The alert states this about the missing mink:

“It is possible, but unlikely to be animal rights related.”

Taking the mink (vs. releasing them) does not fit the usual model of a raid by activists. However it cannot be ruled out this was a well-orchestrated raid in which animals were taken off-site and released to prevent against the usual high percentage of recaptured animals.

“Fur Commission USA
Security Alert – Mink kits being stolen
June 7, 2013

As many farmers are aware, a ranch in Wisconsin claimed that over 300 mink kits were stolen from the pens.  All were reportedly blue iris and had not yet been weaned. Thursday night a rancher in Idaho reported over 600 black mink missing from the farm. These mink were weaned and able to walk to a food plate. The perpetrators were familiar with mink farming as the kits were taken only from certain rows in certain sheds and were chosen because of their individual characteristics. Both ranches are AD-free

Law enforcement is investigating both cases, but Fur Commission USA urges all ranchers to take extra security measures and to take special care in making accurate kit counts. The perpetrators may be other ranchers stocking with AD clean mink, or may be acting as agents for foreign breeders. It is possible, but unlikely to be animal rights related. Please report any suspicions to Fur Commission USA, which will pass all information to law enforcement agents. There is a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of those involved in the Idaho robbery.

Distributed by,
Michael Whelan
Fur Commission USA”

Leaked security alert #24: Car drives onto Utah mink farm

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The 24th in a series of leaked Fur Commission “security alerts” Animal Liberation Frontline is posting this month.

A synopsis of this alert

A car was reportedly seen driving on to a Utah fur farm last June. The farm in question is likely to be:

Dixon Mink
15028 Pony Express Road
Bluffdale, UT 84065

This is another alert where the Fur Commission hints at anticipating the storm that was to soon befall the industry: Mentioning that the publication of The Final Nail #4 may spark raids on fur farms.

“Fur Commission USA
Security Alert – Utah
June 14, 2013

Early yesterday morning (3:00 AM), a vehicle with two men drove onto a mink farm in Bluffdale Utah. It fled when approached by the night watchman. The vehicle was a [plate and description redacted]. If you see this vehicle in the vicinity of your property please contact law enforcement.

In light of the recent news reports regarding the recent release of the ALF publication “The Final Nail”, animal rights extremists may be scouting farms, preparing for an attack. Be aware of any suspicious persons or vehicles near your property and please check to make sure your security systems are operational.

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

Leaked security alert #23: Oregon fur farm reports trespassers

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The 23rd in a series of leaked Fur Commission “security alerts” Animal Liberation Frontline is posting this month.

A synopsis of this alert

A standard alert warning farmers of people seen taking photos of a fur farm in Oregon.

“Fur Commission USA
Security Alert – Oregon
July 10, 2013

Two individuals were seen taking photos outside a mink farm in Marion County Oregon yesterday afternoon. When approached by the farmer, they flashed an obscene gesture and fled. The vehicle was a [description and plate# redacted]. It was driven by a [description redacted]. The passenger, who was taking the photos, was a [detailed description redacted].

If this vehicle is seen in the vicinity of your farm, be sure the occupants are aware they have been spotted, then call your local sheriff and Fur Commission USA.

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

Leaked security alert #22: Suspects seen scouting Wisconsin mink farm

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The 22nd in a series of leaked Fur Commission “security alerts” Animal Liberation Frontline is posting this month.

A synopsis of this alert

This report came in just days before the first mink farm raid of the season in Burley, Idaho. It covers “suspects” seen taking pictures of a mink farm outside Medford, Wisconsin.

Most likely, when these alerts refer to “farm security” or “security personnel,” they aren’t referring to anything but a farm owner or employee.

The alert states:

“All mink ranchers and other resource providers are urged to take increased precautions over the next few months, as this time of year is the traditional season of farm attacks”

They had no idea what was to come, as the next 4 months would see 10 fur farm raids.

“Fur Commission USA
Security Alert – Trespassers in Taylor County WI
July 21, 2013

Three individuals (2 males, 1 female), driving a [car description redacted] trespassed on a mink farm outside Medford WI at approximately 8:00 PM last night (Sunday, July 21). Farm security personnel spotted two of the suspects leaning against the perimeter fence taking pictures of the mink yard, while one individual stayed in the car. The vehicle license plates are [redacted].  When approached they fled.

All mink ranchers and other resource providers are urged to take increased precautions over the next few months, as this time of year is the traditional season of farm attacks. If any suspicious persons or vehicles are seen on or near your property, please alert your local sheriffs and Fur Commission USA.

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

Leaked security alert #21: Fur farmers upset over being ignored by police

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The 21st in a series of leaked Fur Commission “security alerts” Animal Liberation Frontline is posting this month.

A synopsis of this alert

Here, the Fur Commission sends out a note to fur farmers concerned about the lack of “follow-up” by police after reports of suspicious activity.

Like many of these, this alert displays fur farmers’ bizarre sense of entitlement to being personally coddled by police. For any person with perspective, being appraised of developments over a call about “suspicious cars” would be looked at as a bizarre and unreasonable request.

The alert contains this line to reassure fur farmers their reports are of value:

“If there was trespassing involved, law enforcement will generally contact the registered owner of a reported vehicle and inform them that they have been identified trespassing on private property.”

This is almost an explicit admission that, while illegal, based on the experience of the Fur Commission police don’t often treat trespassing as an arrestable offense. (This is not legal advice, but an observation on the subtext of this alert).

“Fur Commission USA
Security Information: Reporting suspicious activity
July 25, 2013

Various ranchers have inquired why there is rarely any follow-up information from law enforcement after suspicious vehicles or persons are reported near a farm. There are several factors to consider.

After a farmer reports activity on or near their property to law enforcement, depending on the officer investigating, the farmer may need to make repeated contact themselves for any follow-up information. In most cases, the farmer has every right to receive updates and police reports. We encourage farmers to keep an open dialog with their local law enforcement agencies and any investigating officers.

Fur Commission has been working closely with law enforcement for many years, and the information we pass along is given without expecting any inclusion in the case. For legal reasons, law enforcement will not always give Fur Commission information regarding an open investigation.

If the activity reported did not break any laws, it is still important to log the incident (with law enforcement and Fur Commission). Extremists will scout locations before attacking, and if we can identify them early (and they know they have been identified) they are unlikely to act. Our security alerts are designed not only to alert farmers, but to alert various law enforcement officials of the potential for an attack. If there was trespassing involved, law enforcement will generally contact the registered owner of a reported vehicle and inform them that they have been identified trespassing on private property. Depending on the situation, the perpetrators may or may not be cited.

It is important to remember that our level of alertness is recorded by the would-be attacker. If a scout is confronted or engaged, they know they will be the first person questioned in the event of a crime. They will also know that the farmer takes his security seriously. So keep up the good work!

Distributed by
Michael Whelan
Fur Commission USA”