A mink ranch in Rockwood has been charged with 14 counts of animal cruelty under the Ontario SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) Act following an investigation into its treatment and care of mink on the farm.
The Ontario SPCA launched an investigation in February after receiving a concern about the welfare of mink at the Millbank Fur Farm in Rockwood.
On its website, Last Chance for Animals (LCA), takes credit for an undercover investigation, which led to the complaint to the Ontario SPCA.
“Today LCA released video and photo evidence from an undercover investigation, documenting disturbing accounts of animal neglect at Millbank Fur Farm Ltd. in Ontario, Canada,” the LCA website states.
“The investigation, which began in 2017 and spanned the course of a year, is the first in-depth undercover probe of a farm that produces pelts for the Canadian fur industry.”
After conducting a thorough investigation, the Ontario SPCA said evidence revealed sick animals with injuries and large lesions, as well as rough handling of animals, unsanitary conditions and a lack of general care.
The Ontario SPCA has charged the farm with 14 counts of animal cruelty:
– five counts of permitting an animal to be in distress;
– two counts of causing an animal to be in distress;
– three counts of failing to provide adequate and appropriate medical attention;
– three counts of failing to provide care necessary for general welfare; and
– one count of failing to provide adequate and appropriate sanitary conditions.
“There is no excuse for failing to treat animals humanely,” said Jennifer Bluhm, deputy chief inspector with the Ontario SPCA.
“No one is exempt from the law when it comes to providing for the animals in their care.”
To report animal cruelty, contact the Ontario SPCA’s province-wide animal cruelty hotline at 310-SPCA (7722).
