According to media reports, as many as 500 mink were released from their cages at Berkshire Furs, in Hinsdale, Massachusetts, early in the morning of August 14.

A police officer told local media, "Whoever did it had a plan. They knew what they were doing and knew what they wanted to do. They went in and cut the fence. They had it well planned."

A member of the Carmel family who operate the farm described the impact of the raid as "devastating." Losses were estimated to be $100,000.

There have been at least three previous raids at the mink farm in Hinsdale, beginning with an action in September 1996 in which hundreds of mink were liberated.