The Humane Society of the United States and Ohio completed a rescue over the weekend where hundreds of animals were kept in deplorable conditions at a fur and urine farm in Ashtabula County.
According to Humane Society officials, the owner of the Grand River Fur Exchange died in December, 2024, leading to poor conditions for these animals getting even worse. It was then considered an animal welfare crisis.
The animals found were foxes, raccoons, wolf-dog hybrids, skunks, opossums and coyotes. All of them were being raised and slaughtered for fur, bred as exotic pets and held captive for urine farming.
“This is one of the most horrific situations I have ever seen—the terror and pain was palpable,” said Adam Parascandola, vice president of the Humane Society of the United States’ Animal Rescue Team. “Our team is exposed to immense cruelty in the criminal cases we regularly respond to like dogfighting and severe neglect, yet this stands out both in terms of suffering and because of these fur farming practices. It’s haunting.”
According to the Humane Society, there is no federal regulations related to the welfare of animals farmed for their fur. While Grand River Fur Exchange was licensed, they didn’t have to abide by any laws to have a standard of care.
More than 250 animals were able to be placed in sanctuaries, while others had to be euthanized due to the conditions.