Leaked security alert #20: New security advice for fur farms

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The 20th in a series of leaked Fur Commission “security alerts” Animal Liberation Frontline is posting this month.

A synopsis of this alert

This is the second alert in two days I’m posting on the recent Idaho release. And it is the second time in two days I am obligated to highlight the irony and hypocricy of these alerts: Here the Fur Commission is admonishing farmers to install alarms after a raid on the farm of one of its board members – whose farm didn’t have alarms.

To put it another way: Here, a Fur Commission exec is issuing stern advice that Fur Commission execs don’t follow at their own farms.

However what’s most useful about this alert are the specific recommendations for fence alarms. While I would not expect many (if any) farms to heed this advice, it’s worth noting that this alert advises the installation of…

“…contact wire alarms along the length at about a 6-inch height… If the fencing is removed or cut, the wire will sever and sound an alarm in the house, on your phone, in a guard shed, or even in the sheriff’s office.”

This is not to be taken as anything more than a pointer imparted for the sake of instilling confidence in the Fur Commission’s leadership. All indicators are that almost no fur farms have implemented the security precautions advised by the Fur Commission’s secretive security manual, and they are unlikely to take the advice of this alert.

“Fur Commission USA
Security Alert – More on ID farm raid
July 30, 2013

As most of you know by now, an Idaho mink ranch was raided by animal rights extremists early Sunday morning July 28. An anonymous claim of guilt has been posted on the Bite Back website and numerous news outlets are now reporting on the attack. There are links to these items at the bottom of this post.

What is apparent is that the US mink ranchers need to implement the recommended security precautions, especially perimeter fencing and alarm systems, as soon as possible. Like many of the farms in ID and UT we have visited, the perimeter fencing on this ranch had 3-foot corrugated tin with a 10-12 inch gap at the bottom covered by chicken wire. In this case, the chicken wire was quickly and easily opened in 8 different locations. Chain link is similarly vulnerable.

We strongly urge all ranchers with this same fencing to extend corrugated tin panels into the ground (ASAP). Additionally, contact wire alarms along the length at about a 6-inch height, should be installed. If the fencing is removed or cut, the wire will sever and sound an alarm in the house, on your phone, in a guard shed, or even in the sheriff’s office. Corrugated tin roofing is readily available at building supply stores and/or scrap yards.

Other items to consider:

1)  Walk the perimeter regularly, Look for anything out of the ordinary (i.e. personal items such as, clothing, tools, backpacks; unusual litter; any signs your fencing has been tampered with)

2)  Nighttime presence. Either a watchman or feeding personnel (mix up the routine as to not be predictable on patrol routes or times).

3)  Locking the sheds. Install doors with locking mechanisms and alarms.

If you do not have the Fur Commission Security Guide, please email mw@furcommission.com for a copy. We also will gladly visit ranches, upon request, to give detailed security assessments and recommendations. Please remember, the harder you make the target, the less likely you will be successfully targeted.

Links to reports;
Bite Back anonymous claim
http://www.directaction.info/news_july30_13.htm
 
KMVT Twin Falls (with Fur Commission USA Press Release)
http://magicvalley.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/mini-cassia-mink-farm-raided-activists-claim-responsibility-sheriff-s/article_202f5cd0-f95a-11e2-aadf-0019bb2963f4.html
 
Twin Falls Times News
http://magicvalley.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/mini-cassia-mink-farm-raided-activists-claim-responsibility-sheriff-s/article_202f5cd0-f95a-11e2-aadf-0019bb2963f4.html
 
Distributed by  Michael Whelan
Fur Commission USA
541-595-8568″

Leaked security alert #19: Thousands of mink freed in Idaho

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The 19th in a series of leaked Fur Commission “security alerts” I am posting this month.

A synopsis of this alert

This was the alert sent out after the Animal Liberation Front kicked off “fur farm raiding season” on July 28th by freeing 2,400 to 5,000 mink from a fur farm in Burley, Idaho.

The irony of this alert (and the raid) was that the farm raided was owned by Cindy Moyle – who is on the board of the Fur Commission. The alert makes no mention of this detail.

This raid demonstrated that even the board of the Fur Commission doesn’t follow their own security protocols, and that even those tasked with promoting farm security don’t secure their own farms.

The entire industry is weak from top to bottom, and the July 28th raid demonstrated this powerfully.

“Fur Commission USA
Security Alert – Mink Release in ID
July 29, 2013

Farmers are urged to be on alert as a mink farm in Burley ID was attacked last night. Neighbors and other ranchers are helping the farmer collect the animals now, but at least 3 sheds were emptied and breeding cards removed. Most of the animals have remained in the yard and should be returned to pens over the next several hours. It is unclear how many animals are missing.

Farmers throughout the country are urged to be on alert, as these incidents will usually occur in bunches. Make sure all fences and gates are secure and detection systems are set. Inform your local law enforcement agencies of the recent attack, and the potential for actions targeting your facility. Tell employees and neighbors to be especially aware of any suspicious vehicles, especially parked nearby at night, and to report it to law enforcement and Fur Commission USA.

Distributed by,
Michael Whelan
Fur Commission USA”

Leaked security bulletin #18: Two cars seen scouting Oregon fur farm

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The 18th in a series of leaked Fur Commission “security alerts” Animal Liberation Frontline is posting this month.

A synopsis of this alert

On July 28th, the Animal Liberation Front kicked off “fur farm raiding season” by releasing between 2,400 and 5,000 mink from the Moyle mink farm in Burley, Idaho. 10 days later, the Fur Commission sent out this alert about two suspicious cars seen outside a Sublimity, Oregon mink farm.

One interesting note about this alert: The only known fur farm in or near Sublimity is the Gardner Fur Farm (3701 Drift Creek Rd SE), which is reported to raise fox, not mink. Therefore this alert may be referring to a mink farm that is not yet discovered.

“Fur Commission USA
Security Alert – Oregon
August 7, 2013

Tuesday afternoon two vehicles were seen scouting a mink farm outside Sublimity Oregon. One vehicle was a [vehicle description redacted] with [redacted] license plates [plate # redacted]. The second vehicle was a [description redacted]. The two vehicles were parked together down the road from the farm, then moved to the farm driveway. After about 5 minutes, the suspects were approached, and fled.

In light of the recent mink farm attack in Idaho, any suspicious behavior near your farm needs to be reported to police and Fur Commission USA. If either of these vehicles is spotted near your farm, make it clear to the occupants that you are aware of their presence, and call FCUSA.

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

Leaked security alert #17: Farmers warned of raids after talk by “extremist” felon

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The 17th in a series of leaked Fur Commission “security alerts” Animal Liberation Frontline is posting this month.

A synopsis of this alert

This one speaks for itself: An alert warning fur farmers of a talk I gave at the University of Wisconsin in 2011.

While I am flattered the Fur Commission believes “activists tend to be energized after (my) appearance,” I am unaware of any evidence for this, nor of any Animal Liberation Front activity that has directly proceeded any talk I’ve given. Therefore this is among the more pointlessly alarmist security alerts of the collection.

“FCUSA Security Alert
Wisconsin, N. Illinois
November 28, 2011

Peter Young Speaking in Milwaukee

Convicted felon and anti-fur extremist is bringing his message of crime and violence to the U. of WI-Milwaukee tonight.  Farmers and other resource providers are encouraged to be aware of any suspicious activity around their farms in the coming days, as activists tend to be energized after his appearance. University police have been informed and will be monitoring the event.

Fur Commission USA
541-595-8568″

Leaked security alert #16: Farmers told to call police if their address is on the internet

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The 16th in a series of leaked Fur Commission “security alerts” Animal Liberation Frontline will be posting this month.

This alert: A synopsis

This is one of the more absurd security alerts. Here, fur farmers are told to call the police and report that fur farm addresses are posted on the new Coalition Against Fur Farms website, and FinalNail.com.

Its not clear what exactly fur farmers are supposed to “report” once they get a dispatcher on the phone, what laws are being broken, or why the police should care.

One thing is made even more evident by this alert: Fur farmers are hopelessly, pathetically, bizarrely out of touch.

“Fur Commission USA
Security Alert – New Farm Postings
June 25th, 2012

Our opponents have been listing fur farm addresses for years, and for the recent past, most farmers have been left alone. A website (www.coalitionagainstfurfarms.com) has been postings “newly discovered” addresses of fur farms, in addition to other industry information since the beginning of May.

We believe that the farm information is gathered through business filings, in addition to satellite and on-the-ground reconnaissance (they do not appear to be sure of the operational status of many of the ranches.) Please be aware that no US fur farm is entirely safe from attack, but proper security precautions can “harden the target” and send a would-be attacker elsewhere. We urge all ranchers to check their security and be aware of any suspicious vehicles and/or persons near the property. Remember, Fur Commission USA is available to perform a security assessement on your facility, free of charge.

Please inform your local law enforcement agency of the list at www.finalnail.com and the postings that appear on www.coalitionagainstfurfarms.com

Distributed by
Michael Whelan
Fur Commission USA”

Leaked security Alert #15: 400 mink released in Iowa

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The 15th in a series of leaked Fur Commission “security alerts” Animal Liberation Frontline will be posting this month.

 This alert: A synopsis

This bulletin was sent to farmers after the unclaimed raid of the Iowa mink farm owned by Don Conrad. There are a few interesting items here:

• The media reported only 100 mink were released, while this alert reveals the number (as reported by the Fur Commission) is 396. Because this was never intended to be made public, it is further proof the fur industry under-reports the numbers of animals released to the media. Presumably, this is done to downplay the perceived impact of these raids, and mitigate any empowering effect among activists who may be inspired to carry out raids of their own.
• The official line in the media was that this was being investigated as a “prank”. However we see here that in private it is clearly looked at as the work of animal liberators.
• Oddly, even in private fur farmers lie about mink dying of heat exposure. Anyone who has been to (or operates) a mink farm knows the sheds are never climate controlled, and if anything the inside of a shed is hotter than outside.
• The people named as helping in the roundup effort are Tom Gibson (former fur farmer, now with NAFA), the Underwood family (Fredericksburg, Iowa mink farmers), and John and Rose Lang (Minnesota fur farmers).

“Fur Commission USA
Update on IA mink release
September 3, 2013

As I prepare to pack a lunch bag and roust a surly teenager (It’s 5 AM here), I hope that everyone had a nice Labor Day, and I hope others are as excited about the upcoming fall season as I am.

Update on Mink Farm attack in Keota IA: After speaking with the son (and ranch manager) of the farm owner that had his facility attacked Friday, I would like to provide a quick update. The final count was 396 mink released. About 300 were rescued in the first several hours and about 50 were recovered dead of exposure and/or killed on the roadway. The rest died of exposure or heat related injuries over the weekend.  Temperatures were topping 100 degrees each day, and the mink that were not rescued within the first 6-12 hours never really stood a chance.

The farm owners would like to thank all their friends and neighbors who came to help with the animals (close to 50 people!!), and would like to express special thanks to solicitor Tom Gibson, who spent countless hours in the heat helping out, the Underwood family, who brought needed and welcome hands, and John and Rose Lang who drove over 400 miles to come and help. Many more are also well-deserving of gratitude and commendation. We truly are a caring community.

In the case of a release on your property, God forbid, its important to remember to 1) Call 911 or your local sheriff immediately. 2) seal the fencing and check the cages (many mink may not have left the pens despite open cages) 3) call the people on your phone tree and Fur Commission USA.  We will make sure the Federal authorities respond to the attack, will warn other ranchers, and will prepare statements for the press/public in case of inquiry (the farmer is often way too busy to speak). We will also provide law enforcement with info on farmer-reported suspicious vehicles/persons, related incidents, and background on mink farm attacks.

All farmers should take appropriate security precautions over the next several weeks, as extremists are actively and aggressively looking for soft targets at this time.  Please report any suspicious activity around your property to law enforcement and FCUSA.

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

Leaked security alert #14: Two activists arrested with “burglary tools”

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The 14th in a series of leaked Fur Commission “security alerts” Animal Liberation Frontline will be posting this month.

This security alert: A synopsis

This is the bulletin sent to fur farmers after the arrest of Kevin Olliff and Tyler Lang, when they were pulled over in rural Illinois. The two were charged with “Possession of Burglary Tools” after a (non-consensual) police search allegedly turned up items such as muriatic acid and cammo clothing.

While the two were not arrested on or near any fur farm, the Fur Commission apparently finds their arrest significant because of a mink release that occurred elsewhere in Illinois either that night or the night before.

“Fur Commission USA
Security Alert – Arrests made in IL
September 3, 2013

Two California-based animal rights extremists were arrested in rural Roanoke Illinois on August 14, the same night of the mink farm attack in Morris IL.

Kevin Olliff and Taylor Lang were pulled over on a traffic violation late on the night of the 14th, and after a search, bolt-cutters, wire-cutters, ski masks, cammo clothing and muriatic acid were found in the vehicle. Mr. Olliff served 18 months in prison in 2009 on felony animal rights charges (stalking).

Presently they are being charged with “Possession of Burglary Tools”  but bail has been set significantly higher than warranted for this crime, leading us to believe there are more serious charges pending. A preliminary hearing is set for September 9.

Fur Commission will keep the farm community up-to-date as more information becomes available.

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

Leaked security alert #13: Details on recent Utah mink release

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The 13th in a series of leaked Fur Commission “security alerts” Animal Liberation Frontline will be posting this month.

A synopsis of this alert

This alert offers details on the recent release of 20 mink from the Ovard mink farm in Wanship, Utah. It expands slightly on the possibility the raid was interrupted by a feed delivery truck, as referenced in media reports.

This alert also offers the unreported detail that 8 of the 20 mink (40%) were uncaptured.

It also notes that at least three recent fur farm raids have taken place at farms that didn’t have fences, and astutely points out the Animal Liberation Front is focusing on “soft targets.”

“Fur Commission USA
Security Alert – Mink Farm Attacked in UT last night
September 13, 2013

A mink farm just south of Coalville UT was attacked last night. The farmer was alerted to activity in the yard in the early morning hours (around 3:00 AM) as a feed truck was arriving. At that time it was discovered that 2 sheds had been entered and about 20 mink released. A number of breeding cards were also damaged. It is assumed that the raid was discovered in progress and the perpetrators fled before being identified and/or captured. At this time all but about 8 have been returned to their pens.

As every farmer knows, this is the time of year that most mink farm attacks occur. This action is the fourth against the US producers since July. In this case, we believe alert farmers and support personnel were able to interrupt the attack and limit the damage. The mink farmer had not yet erected fencing, and one of the sheds targeted was the only one without doors. The last two attacks have targeted farms that have no fencing.

Please take proper security precautions over the next few weeks as we know extremists are out there looking for, and focusing on ‘softer’ targets.

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

Leaked security alert #12: ALF raids fox farm during animal rights conference

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The 12th in a series of leaked Fur Commission “security alerts” Animal Liberation Frontline will be posting this month.

Synopsis of this alert

This alert was sent out following the only fur farm raid of 2012: the release of 13 foxes from a farm in Elkton, Virginia. Here the Fur Commission attempts to link the raid to the Animal Rights 2012 Conference taking place elsewhere in Virginia at the time.

“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 [name 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
www.furcommission.com
541-595-8568″

Leaked security alert #11: Fur farmers follow suspicious car in Idaho

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The 11th in a series of leaked Fur Commission “security alerts” Animal Liberation Frontline will be posting this month.

Synopsis of this alert

This is a rather detailed account of another “suspicious” car seen scouting a Franklin, Idaho mink farm. Franklin is located on the Idaho-Utah border, and is home to at least six mink farms. This alert alleges the occupants used stolen (or borrowed) plates on the car, which was followed into Utah.

This also reminds farmers of the Fur Commission’s pathetic $5,000 reward for tipsters providing information that results in a conviction.

“Fur Commission USA
Security Alert – Idaho, N. Utah
October 12, 2012

A [car make, model, and license redacted], has been seen scouting several farms today in the Franklin ID area. Occupants are, so far, described as a [description redacted], and a [description redacted], with a long-lens camera. The license plate number is reportedly registered to a [car make and model redacted], so the drivers are making concerted and illegal efforts to mask their identities. A rancher followed the vehicle into Logan UT.  

Also, three nights ago at around 2:00 AM, two vehicles fled when discovered on the back perimeter of a Franklin ID farm. 

Please contact your local law enforcement agents, informing them of the events taking place, and politely request extra patrols. Make sure to take extra precautions on your property over the coming days. If you see the above vehicle, or any other suspicious vehicles near your facility, call law enforcement immediately.

Remember, Fur Commission USA offers a reward of up to $5,000 for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of an individual attempting a release on a U.S. mink farm.

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

Leaked Security Alert #10: “Suspicious” persons scouting Utah fur farm

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The 10th in a series of leaked Fur Commission “security alerts” Animal Liberation Frontline will be posting this month.

A synopsis of this alert

This is a typical Fur Commission security alert, warning fur farmers of “suspicious” persons seen near a Utah fur farm. With over 100 fur farm raids since 1995, farmers consider any activity around their farm suspicious, and report this activity to the Fur Commission as part of their “Neighborhood Watch” program which is subsequently distributed nationwide via these alerts.

“Fur Commission USA
Security Alert
September 29, 2011

Suspicious Persons Seen Scouting Utah Farm

Last night around 6:00 p.m., a [car make and model redacted], with [state redacted] plates, was spotted outside a Morgan County mink ranch. Two persons were standing with the vehicle, possibly taking pictures.  One was a [description redacted] years old, with [description redacted]. The second was a [description redacted]. When approached by farm employees they fled.  Morgan County Sheriffs have identified the vehicle as a rental car.

In light of recent attacks in Oregon and Idaho, and the presence of activists congregating to protest the Ringling Bros. Circus in SLC, please take the time to update your phone tree, check your security, and inform your friends and neighbors to be aware of unknown persons in the area.  Farmers and other related resource providers are strongly urged to pay special attention to their surroundings over the next few weeks, and report any suspicious vehicles, persons or activities to law enforcement and Fur Commission USA.

Fur Commission USA
541-595-8568
www.furcommission.com“

Five leaked security alerts on Iowa fur farm arrests

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The 9th in a series of leaked Fur Commission “security alerts” Animal Liberation Frontline will be posting this month.

A synopsis of these alerts

This post is a collection of 5 security alerts covering the case of Kellie Marshall & Victor VanOrden. The pair were arrested after setting off alarms at the Circle K mink and fox farm in Sioux City, Iowa in 2011. Some reports indicate a small number of animals were released. They served 30 days and 3 months, respectively.

The capture of fur farm raiders is a (rare) celebrated event for the Fur Commission USA, who sent out these alerts in the wake of Victor & Kellie’s capture.

“All farmers should be on high alert as it seems there are several cells working around the country at the moment”

(Note: The third alert below also covers the raid of the Miller mink farm in Washington.)

Fur Commission USA
October 10, 2011
www.furcommission.com

Suspects Captured in Iowa

Last night around 1:30 AM, Steve Krege’s alarms were triggered on his mink farm in Sioux City IA. When he went out to inspect he discovered a silver Toyota truck backed up to his gate on the far side of the farm. He immediately secured the vehicle and called the police, who set up a perimeter and with the aide of K-9 units, captured two would-be farm attackers. The truck contained masks, burglary tools, a police scanner, walkie-talkies and other items. There were
approximately a dozen holes cut in the fence and one cage had been opened.

At this time the suspects are being held in Sioux City Jail and each has been charged with two felony burglary counts. An arraignment hearing is scheduled for this morning. I have been in touch with Sioux City PD, Iowa FBI and the Iowa Dept of Criminal Investigations, and I will send out new information as it becomes available.

After the Palmer farm attack on Thursday, and after receiving the Fur Commission Security Alert for the Upper Midwest, Steve had made sure his security systems were up-to-date and operative. His hard work and attention to detail may have prevented many more farm attacks from occurring. Congratulations go out to Steve Krege for his alert and decisive actions, and for his efforts in making our industry safer.

Distributed by
Michael Whelan
Fur Commission USA
541-585-8568

***

Fur Commission USA
October 10, 2011

Iowa Update:

As of 1243 hours (CST) the two individuals arrested for the attack on the Krege farm in Sioux City IA are being held in Woodbury County Jail. They are identified as:

Adult male: Victor Casey VanOrden DOB 07-11-87
Adult female: Kellie Rose Marshall DOB 11-08-89

Mr VanOrden is believed to be a tattoo artist from Austin TX (http://affinitybodypiercing.com) while little is yet know about Ms. Marshall. At the moment they are each facing felony burglary and felony criminal mischief charges. According to state law the bail can only be set at $5,000 each. Though federal agents have been working on the case, no federal charges have yet been levied, nor has any federal hold been put on their bail. Basically, as soon as bail is made, they are free to go. I have spoken with numerous federal and local law enforcement officials, informing them of the history of farm attacks and the penchant for persons arrested to go underground once bail is posted (see Peter Young and Justin Samuel).

FBI D.C., Omaha, Des Moines and Cedar Rapids, as well as the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation are aware of the situation and I will pass along updates as they become available.

Please stand by….

Michael Whelan
Fur Commission USA
541-595-8568

***

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 [car description redacted] was seen outside an abandoned pelting shed near Startup WA. A [person’s description redacted] 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

Update on Iowa farm attacks

As of last night Victor VanOrden and Kellie Marshall had not made bail, and were still in the Woodbury County Jail for the attempted attack on Steve Krege’s mink farm.

Two animal rights activists were spotted approaching Palmer Erickson’s farm in broad daylight and were chased off by Palmer’s 13-year old grandson. Police searched the area and found two men fitting the description several hours later. Photos of the farm, including cages with fox inside are appearing on the internet.

All farmers should be on high alert as it seems there are several cells working around the country at the moment, and are aggressively targeting mink farms. Please report any suspicious activity to your local law enforcement agency and closest FBI field office.

Distributed by

Michael Whelan
Fur Commission USA
541-595-8568

***

Fur Commission USA
CONFIDENTIAL
October 19, 2011

Update on IA arrests

This morning Victor Vanorden and Kellie Marshall (the two individuals caught on the Krege farm in IA) appeared at a preliminary hearing in IA district court. They were each charged with: Count 1: Releasing Animal(s) from an Animal Facility, a class D felony [State version of Animal Terrorism], Count 2: Burglary in the Third Degree, a class D felony, Count 3: Possession of Burglar’s Tools, an Aggravated Misdemeanor and Count 4: Criminal Mischief in the 4th Degree, a Serious Misdemeanor. At this time no federal charges have yet been filed.

In approximately two weeks they will have an arraignment hearing, where they will enter a plea, then if necessary a trial will follow in approximately 2-3 months. Presently there is a “Prosecutors Alert” on the pair, to inform the district attorney’s office if bail is being prepared. Law enforcement is also monitoring the phone numbers of calls being placed and/or received.

Distributed by

Michael Whelan
Fur Commission USA
541-595-8568

***

Fur Commission USA
Mink Farmer needs your help!
November 15, 2011

The animal rights extremists that were caught breaking into Steve Krage’s mink farm in Sioux City IA are now going through the plea-deal process. We urgently need letters to the sentencing judge detailing how attacks like this deserve substantial penalties.  Woodbury County Attorney Drew Bockenstedt is confident there will be a conviction on
the state animal enterprise terrorism charges (Class D felony, up to 5 years prison), but sentencing discretion is left to the judge.  The accused apparently have no criminal records, are gainfully employed, and are remorseful about the crime.  This may prompt a sentence of probation or a deferred judgment (no jail, record expunged after a period of time).

Fur Commission USA is fighting for a jail sentence of at least 2 years and a felony conviction.  What we need are letters to the sentencing judge from the industry explaining:

•    How farmers have suffered from these attacks for 20 years and need a jail sentence to send a message to other people considering this type of crime.

•    How farmers conduct a legal business that creates jobs and contributes millions of dollars to local economies.

•    How farmers lay awake, night after night, fearing for their families and their animals when attacks like this occur.

•    How a jail sentence might keep us from “taking the law into our own hands” if we catch someone in the future trying to ruin our livelihoods.

These are a couple suggestions of what to include in your letter.  The important thing is that the judge knows that we take great interest in what is happening in this case, that these attacks affect our families and communities, and that his decision is important to all of us in the farm community.

Please write to “Your honor“, or “Dear Sentencing Judge” or “To whom it may concern”, or something like that.  Be sure to introduce yourself and be respectful.  We need these letters as soon as possible, as sentencing recommendations may begin as early as Nov. 19.

Address letter to:

Drew Bockenstedt
Woodbury County Courthouse
620 Douglas Street #300
Sioux City, IA  51101

Thank you,
Michael Whelan
Fur Commission USA
541-595-8568