Letter: Free the mink
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: During the past six weeks mink have been released in large numbers from two mink farms, one in Hampshire and one in Staffordshire ("The mink are back... and this time they're angry", 18 September). Such acts are illegal and the perpetrators should be dealt with appropriately, but before condemning these events we should question the motives of those responsible.
All animals that are farmed for their fur are necessarily kept captive; typical mink cages measure 1ft across by 2ft deep. Mink that have been in such cages for more than a few days show profound signs of distress. Some injure themselves.
The conditions in which mink are farmed are barbarically unnatural. The North American mink is semi-aquatic, which means it requires access to running water. Their ideal habitat is similar to that of the otter.
Mink are repeatedly reported to be the cause of the reduction in water vole numbers in the UK. But the water vole is now an endangered species for many reasons, and escaped (and wild) mink are not the main one. Water vole numbers are dangerously low primarily owing to loss of habitat, followed by pollution of their environment.
The man running the North Staffordshire mink farm said that it was cruel to release the mink, an act of terrorism.
Is it more cruel for a captive mink to be released and then die, or is it a greater act of cruelty to retain the animal in captivity until it is gassed and skinned?
NICK DRAKE
Southampton
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments