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Evasion and Circumvention
Fur Farm Security: A Synopsis
Since the tidal wave of mink releases in the 1990s, which
saw dozens of farms raided and many farms shut down
forever, fur farms have taken steps to increase security. But
not as much as would be expected. With approximately 90
raids and 270 mink farms remaining, every farm that’s left
faces a very real threat of being hit by the ALF eventually.
Yet one puzzling reality remains: Almost no fur farms have
security. Why?
The reality is, fur farms operate on such a razor-thin profit
margin that most simply cannot afford it. The rest arrogantly
believe the ALF will never come to their farm, despite statistics
that don’t offer them the best odds.
Most fur farms are small family operations, and are either
unaware of the threats or unable to afford to effectively
prevent them. What this amounts to is that only a very small
fraction of farms in the US utilize electronic or human
security.
And when they do, the ALF has shown themselves to be
capable of effectively circumventing it. Rick Aritolla of the
Aritolla Mink Ranch reported his farm had a sophisticated
motion-sensor security system in place before raiders released
10,000 mink there in 1997.
The best overview of fur farm security from the farmers
perspective comes from a leaked document called “Site Security
and Protocols”, published by the Fur Commission USA.
This document was intended for distribution to fur farmers
only, and reveals exactly what the largest fur farm trade
group recommends farmers use to protect against the ALF
(though almost none seem to heed their advice).
Fences
The most common deterrent, present at over 95% of all
fur farms (yet there remain farms that do not even take this
minimal precaution).
Each fence is unique, and a close look at
the design should reveal the best approach
to stripping it away. Remember the
number of animals that escape is directly
proportionate to the amount of fencing
that is removed.
Fences charged with electricity are not
uncommon. Generally only one or a small
number of wires are charged and can be
avoided.
Fencing
alarms
There are no
known reports
of these being
used, however
the Fur Commissionrecommends
them.
These involve
use of a wire
which, if cut,
activates the
alarm system.
Photoelectric motion sensors. Advertising
literature reads: “Create a fence
you can’t even see.”
Photoelectric Sensors
These are invisible beams projected from small black boxes,
usually positioned in the corners of the farm (inside the
fence). These are extremely rare, however they have been
reported at farms in the Northwest and at at least one farm
in the Midwest. Some have reported success dropping to the
ground and rolling under the beam. However other alarms
appear to have a fan-shaped scope of coverage, where this
would not be effective. As with any invisible-yet-potential
threat, one can carry out the action that would trigger the
alarm, then retreat to await a response. If there is no response,
it can be presumed the alarm was bypassed.
Dogs
The occasional farm will have a dog loose among the sheds.
Effective approaches for managing loud or threatening animals
will vary by situation. Optimally, dogs can be tethered
to the fence using an animal control-style emergency leash
used for dangerous animals.
Cameras
Occasionally farms have video cameras. Farmers have also
been advised by police to install still or video cameras triggers
by motion. Note that the Fur Commission
also advises the use of fake cameras for farms
that can’t afford real ones.
Security Guards
Another extremely rare form of security. There
is evidence some larger farms have hired overnight
security guards, particularly during pelting
season. This is cost-prohibitive for all but the
largest farms, yet sufficient reconnaissance
should be employed before advancing on a
larger farm to ensure no one is on site. Remember
there is nothing that can’t be circumvented
with enough finesse.
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