The Northumberland County farm has been the target of animal rights protestors who have released thousands of minks in several incidents in the past two years.
SUNBURY — The Northumberland County fur farm from which nearly 700 minks were released in October has been listed for sale but its owners say it is part of a planned succession strategy.
Through a spokesperson, the owners of the Richard H. Stahl & Sons Fur Farm say the listing of the 56.3-acre site a mile southeast of Sunbury near Route 890 is part of a succession strategy that began more that two-and-a-half years ago well before any activity by animal rights protestors.
Besides the 683 minks released in October, most of which were recaptured, 7,224 were let out of their pens in September 2023. Approximately 6,600 of those were recaptured but 1,325 of them later died.
“The decision to list the property was not influenced by these attacks but is a continuation of the family’s long-term planning to ensure the farm’s future, the spokesperson said.
“Despite these attacks, the farm remains fully operational and financially stable, with no plans to cease operations.”
Two Massachusetts residents have been charged with the October release. Christopher Jacob Legere, 25, of Brighton, and Cara Ashley Mitrano, 27, of Worcester, are waiting trial in county court.
The two were freed after posting 10 percent of their $150,000 bail.
A security system installed after the 2023 release has been credited with leading to their arrests. Two people wearing headlamps were caught on video opening the pens after using bolt cutters to get inside a perimeter fence.
Legere and Mitrano were arrested in the Elysburg area after a Stahl relative took a picture of a blue Subaru leaving the area of the farm and got the license plate number.
Their charges include corrupt organization, agricultural vandalism, ecoterrorism, criminal mischief, theft, burglary, prowling at night and cruelty to animals.
The release of farmed mink is considered animal cruelty because those not rescued die within 24 to 48 hours from starvation, predation or accidents. Captive minks can pick up bacteria from the ground, it was explained.
The Stahl family continues to manage the farm and is committed to maintaining high animal care and welfare standards through participation in a farm certification program,” the spokesperson said.
The property, which is zoned agricultural, includes 1.5 acres of greenhouses and processing buildings with two freezers inside a six- acre fully fenced gated area. Multiple outbuildings are on thesite.
The property, which is listed by NAI CIR, a Lemoyne commercial real estate business, includes 22 tillable acres and 20 timbered acres. Greenhouse frames are in place for additional expansion.