The Shawano County Sheriff's Department is investigating an animal cruelty complaint filed by PETA, or People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.
The group claims Dillenberg Fur Farm in the Town of Belle Plaine is breaking state laws. PETA says it went undercover for two months and captured video and pictures of workers cramming mink and foxes into a metal drum and using a combustion engine to euthanize them, which they say is a slow and painful death. They also claim employees mistreated the animals by using pressure washers and failed to treat their injuries.
The farm's owner, Leo Dillenberg, isn't commenting on the case, but the Executive Director Michael Whelan of Fur Commission USA, which represents mink farmers, issued a statement Tuesday that reads:
"I can't imagine him intentionally mistreating his animals or abusing or neglecting his animals."
"PETA is against any animal use for any purpose."
The Shawano County Sheriff's Department says it won't comment until the investigation is complete.
