Berlin - Thousands of minks escaped from a fur farm in the east of Germany, possibly set free by animal rights activists, police said Friday. Farm employees and locals were chasing after 15,000-17,000 minks after they escaped from the farm in Grabow in the state of Saxony- Anhalt.
Investigators believe animal rights activists raided the farm overnight, cutting through wire fences and releasing the animals from their enclosures.
Police warned neighbours to keep their pets indoors and alerted motorists to watch out for minks running across the road.
There are about 30 farms in Germany where minks are kept for their pelts, which are used in fur coats and fashion accessories. Animal rights activists have long complained about conditions at the farms.