Ohio fur and urine farm rescue

The rescue operation

• The Ashtabula County Commissioner’s Office requested the assistance of Humane World for Animals, formerly called the Humane Society of the United States, after the owner of Grand River Fur Exchange died in late December 2024, escalating an already-dire animal welfare crisis on the property.  

• On Saturday, Jan. 25, the Humane World for Animals, Ohio authorities and multiple wildlife rehabilitators and sanctuaries completed a rescue operation of hundreds of animals from a fur and urine farm near Cleveland, Ohio.  

• For several weeks, responders from Humane World for Animals and Ohio authorities provided daily care to the animals on the property while assisting with arranging placement for the animals with licensed wildlife rehabilitators and accredited sanctuaries around the country.  

• Ultimately, more than 300 animals from the property were able to be placed with wildlife rehabilitators and sanctuaries. Tragically, the only way to help other animals on the property was to humanely end their suffering through euthanasia; some had severe injuries and illness, and others simply had no safe place to go. Releasing animals unaccustomed to living in wild environments would have been inhumane, unsafe and potentially damaging to local ecosystems. 

Conditions on the property

• Foxes, raccoons, wolf-dog hybrids, skunks, opossums and coyotes were living in filthy wire-bottom cages with little to no protection from the frigid conditions.  

• Some of the animals had missing toes, ears, tails and limbs. Veterinarians determined that animals likely lost toes due to the cages’ wire flooring, while the animals missing limbs and paws had likely been caught in steel-jaw leghold traps found around the property.  

• Many were emaciated and severely dehydrated, and several animals were found deceased and covered in snow. 

Background on this facility

• The animals were being raised and slaughtered for fur, bred for sale as exotic pets, and held captive for urine farming. Some of the animals were bred in captivity while others were apparently imprisoned on the property after being trapped in excruciatingly painful leghold traps. 

• Documents found on the property indicate the owner sold pelts to Fur Harvesters Auction, the last remaining fur auction house in North America. Pelts sold at Fur Harvesters Auction are exported globally and used for home decor and fashion products, such as fur-pom hats and trim on gloves or shoes.  

Background on fur/urine farming

• Predator urine is advertised for use in hunting, trapping, dog training, and ironically, as a “humane” wild animal deterrent for gardeners. 

• Animals in the fur trade suffer immensely, both in their daily lives and when they are killed, often with methods like gassing, anal electrocution or clubbing, which result in slow, painful deaths and are commonly used on fur farms because they prevent damage to the pelt. Responders found electrocution tools on the property.   

The animals are in the care of licensed wildlife rehabilitators and sanctuaries.

Many of the animals are in temporary care arrangements while we seek permanent placement options for them. Properly permitted sanctuaries interested in providing a permanent home to animals rescued from this situation are encouraged to reach out here. A member of our team will be in touch to discuss placement criteria and our vetting process

Licensed wildlife rehabilitators and sanctuaries involved in providing temporary or permanent placement and/or transportation of the rescued animals include: