United Group Insurance

Police say pair tried to free minks from NW Iowa farm

News

October 14th, 2011 by Ric Hanson

SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) — Authorities say two animal-rights activists from Texas were arrested before they could free minks from a Sioux City farm. Sioux City Police Officer Jeremy McClure says 21-year-old Kellie Marshall and 24-year-old Victor Vanorden were arrested early Monday. Both are from Austin, Texas. McClure says they were found in a soybean field before they could release the animals. Officers found fences nearby that had been cut. A Woodbury County jailer said that both remained in custody Friday, pending $5,000 bail each. Online court records don’t list their attorneys’ names. Charges include burglary and criminal mischief. Last week, authorities in Hamilton County reported that up to 1,500 minks were released from pens and buildings at a residence in Jewell.