Photo credit: www.yahoo.com
Numerous wildlife species, including foxes, raccoons, wolf-dog hybrids, skunks, opossums, and coyotes, were rescued from a fur and urine farm located near Cleveland, Ohio. This disturbing situation was revealed by The Humane Society of the United States.
Following the death of the farm’s owner in December 2024, hundreds of animals were found abandoned in extremely cold conditions with inadequate shelter. The rescue operation led by the Humane Society, in collaboration with Ohio state authorities, was completed by January 25, 2025.
Fur farm in Ohio involved in cruelty and exploitation
It might come as a shock to learn that such wild animals were kept in a farming operation.
These creatures were raised for their fur, bred for the exotic pet trade, and confined for urine extraction, which is often utilized in hunting and animal training practices.
Conditions at the fur farm described as tragic
Upon the rescue team’s arrival, it became evident that the animals were living in dire conditions following the owner’s passing.
Many of the animals were either found deceased or in a state of severe malnutrition. Notably, numerous individuals suffered from severe injuries, including the loss of toes, ears, tails, and limbs, likely caused by harsh wire flooring in cages and various leg-hold traps discovered on-site.
Leg-hold traps can inflict serious injuries, including tissue wounds and potential nerve damage, which may lead to paralysis. Animals trapped may resort to self-harm while attempting to escape, according to the Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge.
“This is one of the most horrific situations I have ever seen—the terror and pain were palpable. Our team regularly encounters extreme cruelty in cases of dog fighting and severe neglect, yet nothing compares to this in terms of suffering, especially since these fur farming practices are permitted by law. It is haunting,” said Adam Parascandola, vice president of the Humane Society of the United States’ Animal Rescue Team.
Rescue numbers and future for the animals
In total, over 250 animals were rescued and subsequently transferred to various wildlife rehabilitators and sanctuaries across the region. Some of these wolf-dog hybrids were taken in by a non-profit organization, Red Riding Hood Rescue, located in Middletown, Ohio, as reported by WLWT.
Tragically, some animals had to be humanely euthanized due to their critical health issues and significant injuries.
Lacking regulations for fur-farmed animals
The Humane Society of the United States highlights the absence of federal laws that address the welfare, care, or treatment of animals raised for their fur in the United States.
Although the U.S. Department of Agriculture manages licensing and inspection processes for businesses breeding wild animals for the pet trade—such as wolf hybrids and skunks—there are currently no statutes in Ohio regulating fur farms or their slaughter practices.
As it stands, New York is noted as the only state that has implemented a ban on anal and genital electrocution of foxes, marking it as the sole state with a law concerning fur farm animal welfare, according to the Humane Society.
Licensing requirements for fur farms
The Grand River Fur Exchange possessed a license issued by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, according to the Humane Society’s findings.
Although the U.S. Department of Agriculture had previously penalized the farm’s owners and prohibited them from breeding and selling wild animals in 2011, they reportedly continued to do so with no significant repercussions from the authorities.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Foxes, raccoons among 250 animals rescued from Ohio farm. Where they are now?
Source
www.yahoo.com