A hefty sum of money is being offered for information that will see those responsible for the release of 500 mink from a Brant County farm prosecuted.
The Canada Mink Breeders Association announced a $100,000 reward in the case Tuesday.
The mink escaped from the Scotland-area farm after someone cut holes in the wall of the barn early Saturday morning.
“We are shocked that any person or group would commit such a cruel and irresponsible act," says Marianne Patten, president of the CMBA. "Most of these mink were nursing females; their newborn kits are all under two weeks old – some are only days old -- they are completely dependent on their mothers for warmth and frequent feeding at this stage and many will die."
A group calling itself the “mink freedom movement” has claimed responsibility for freeing the animals.
“People have a right to their opinions, but breaking into a farm and releasing mink is a criminal action that shows a complete disregard for people and animals," says Gary Hazlewood, executive director of the CMBA. "These are family-run farms and farmers work very hard to assure the well-being of their livestock."
OPP continue to investigate the incident. They are asking anyone who might have seen any suspicious people or vehicles in the area of Maple Grove Rd. to give them a call.
Thousands of mink were released from three different southwestern Ontario farms last year.
