d when “Dateline NBC” aired the terrible conditions for domestic dogs and cats raised and killed for their fur in China. Immediately, the Oregon Legislature moved to ban the trade in dog and cat fur. Yet we accept the same conditions for foxes and minks in several fur farms across our state. Why is that?
It is time for Oregonians to confront reality. Instead of focusing on the rantings between activists and the fur industry, the media need to show the plain truth about life and death on the fur farm. Let’s show the gassing of minks or the electrocution of foxes on the six o’clock news.
Only when Americans acknowledge those horrors will our elected officials take action to protect these animals. If they don’t, then perhaps voters will take the initiative and do it themselves.
Three months ago, my Grandma passed away. For the first time in many years, I returned to Franklin. After the funeral, I walked across my grandparents’ back yard to see what was left of the mink yard. Years ago, Grandma decided to “pelt out,” meaning every one of the thousands of minks on the farm was killed.
Now, the roofs of the mink sheds are rusted and collapsed. Vines and weeds grow up through the wire mesh pens. The wooden beams and nest boxes are rotten and dilapidated.
The smell of death is gone. The images, however, will stay with me forever.
Posted: 18 Sep 2012 04:15 AM PDT
Oh Scott I am soo sorry that you grew up in this type of environment but it taught you soo much, although I believe you always had the compassion in you.
I wish you well on any way your travels in life takes you!
I need to speak with someone re: this article. I need more information re: something I am writing. Can you tell me how to get in touch with someone about this mink farm.