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″

FBI raids San Diego house over mink farm raids

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First known house raid in connection with last summer’s Animal Liberation Front fur farm campaign.

The following is a report of a house that was raided this week in San Diego, apparently in connection with the recent wave of mink releases.

Since July, anonymous activists have raided 10 fur farms in Idaho, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, and Montana. In every instance, the raids followed the classic Animal Liberation Front model of releasing (wild) animals from their cages directly into their native habitat. (Read a recent New York Times article on this campaign here.)

From what can be gleaned from this report, the woman targeted seemed to do the correct thing and did not speak to the FBI.

Also of note: The FBI used a classic “divide and conquer” tactic by attempting to entice cooperation through spreading  disinformation (in this instance, telling a target that a person they have an involvement with is “seeing other women.”) While this tactic is almost cliche in the FBI’s attempt to create divides in movements, they wouldn’t use it if it didn’t (occasionally) work.

I am posting the report in full. Note: I took the liberty of adding paragraph breaks to the original post where it seemed appropriate.

“My name is Nicole and my house was raided By the FBI, JTTF, and local sheriffs.

The agents shouted FBI opened up we have a search warrant, as we (my mom and I) got pulled outside they stormed the house, we also have three companion animals, luckily the dogs were with us, but the cat was upstairs. As soon as we got back inside I said I want to see the warrant, one agent told me that I would have it momentarily.

The two main agents that I could tell, were agent Debbie Fry and agent Kyle Bremersiemeu. Those were the first two agents that talked to me and said they wanted to talk to me. Before we went upstairs I again asked to see the warrant and they again said I would have it momentarily. They introduced themselves and then said that they were both from the FBI offices in San Francisco. I told them as soon as they started talking that I would not answer any questions without my lawyer present.

They started with Nicole we’ve been following you for a little while now, showing me pictures of myself getting gas. She told me that she knew I moved to Portland with another friend that they have been keeping an eye on.

She showed me pictures of different incidents and told me that it was me. She showed me a picture from a surveillance camera of a car that looked like mine and said that it was mine. She said that yes these are just surveillance camera pictures but the FBI has better pictures of the incidents and can tell that its my car. Then she showed me another picture of two people in black and she told me that one of them was me.

I was not being responsive and kept looking at the ground. Than agent Debbie said you and this other persyn have been going on a lot of trips and when you were back in Oakland, we searched your car. She showed me pictures of what she told me were bolt cutters, and muriatic acid found in my car. She also said she had attained mink hair found in my car and brought up two animal activist that were recently arrested in Illinois. I kept looking outside and agent Kyle and Debbie kept bringing up the other persyn.

They told me that when said persyn was still with me that they were seeing other womyn behind my back. Agent Kyle
noticed I kept looking outside and said why are you looking outside, you cant runaway now.

Finally they stopped and we were taken back downstairs. While downstairs I asked to see the warrant again and again they told me I would see it momentarily. So we sat in the living room while they conducted the search.

Then they told me I also had a warrant for my finger prints and my DNA. I told them I didn’t want to do that and then one agent womyn told me that she would force me to do so because it was ordered by a judge.

So they finally left my house around 12:45 pm and upon leaving I asked for the agents cards and they ignored me and kept talking to my mom. I said again I wanted their names and they told me they would write it on the back of a card.

IN Solidarity with everyone of us that they are trying to silence.
Nicole

The warrant was for anything relating to businesses of animal industries, mink, clothes, books/ zines pertaining to mink, bobcat, and animal rights, maps, and for my car.”

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”

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″