FRANKLIN COUNTY, Idaho — Intruders released approximately 1,500 mink from a fourth-generation family farm in Franklin early Saturday, leaving dozens of animals dead on surrounding roads before community members and local authorities recaptured the vast majority of the herd.
The farm’s electronic security system detected the trespassers at 2:36 a.m. Saturday and deterred further activity, according to farm operators. Before fleeing, however, the intruders opened pens, releasing hundreds of domesticated mink into the darkness.
The sudden release caused severe animal suffering and substantial livestock losses. Because domestic mink lack survival skills in the wild, many wandered onto adjacent rural roads, where passing vehicles struck and killed them. Others quickly suffered from dehydration, exposure and heat exhaustion. Farmers and caretakers worked late through the night and into Sunday, administering hand-delivered water and treatment to animals struggling to recover.
In response to the early morning raid, nearly 100 community volunteers mobilized to search surrounding fields, irrigation ditches and roadsides. The search effort brought together extended family, neighboring agricultural workers, the local mayor and city council members.
Local law enforcement agencies established temporary roadblocks across the area to reduce vehicle speeds and prevent more animals from being run over. Through the combined community rescue operation, searchers safely recovered an estimated 80% of the escaped mink.
The farm owner, whose family has operated the facility across four generations, condemned the raid as cruel rather than compassionate.
“These animals depend on us for food, water, and care,” the owner said in a statement. “What kind of person turns more than a thousand animals loose knowing they could be run over, starve, or die from dehydration? There is nothing humane about that. The people who did this are responsible for the suffering and deaths of these animals.”
The owner’s wife emphasized that the outpouring of neighborhood support provided solace during a devastating ordeal.
“It is heartbreaking to see animals suffer and die because of these actions,” she said. “Nearly 100 people came together to help rescue these animals, and we are incredibly grateful for the kindness and support we’ve received.”
The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the break-in, though deputies have not yet named suspects.