Sultan, Washington: Eco-terrorists attacked a small mink farm in Snohomish County, Washington early today, releasing and abandoning over 10,000 domesticated mink from their pens at Roesler Brothers Fur Farm in Sultan.

Over 30 neighbors helped the farmers recover the animals and return them to the safety of the farm.

Brothers Brad and Jeff Roesler run the farm along with their families, raising mink for use in cold-weather clothing, oils and other products.

The attack on the mink farm is estimated at over $500,000 in damages and uncalculated losses in lost genetic history for the animals.

The latest terrorist strike continues an expensive month for the West. On Aug. 1, an arson attack on a San Diego apartment construction site caused $50 million in damages. This was followed on Aug. 21 by a $1 million arson at an automobile dealership in West Covina, Los Angeles.

"Obviously eco-terrorists are on a road trip doing damage in Western States," stated Teresa Platt, Executive Director of Fur Commission USA, which represents mink farmers in 28 states. "We urge people to stay alert. Everyone who relies on the Earth and its animals to live is a potential target. That's all of us."

Platt added, "We'd like to thank all the good neighbors who helped recover the mink, and ask people to call us at 619-575-0139 if they find a lost mink. They should also use care since the mink will be scared, hungry and thirsty, and it might bite."

For further information contact: Teresa Platt, Executive Director,
Fur Commission USA, PMB 506, 826 Orange Avenue, Coronado, CA
92118-2698 USA, (619) 575-0139, (619) 575-5578/fax,
furfarmers@aol.com, www.furcommission.com.