Advertisement

Swedish military admits role in mink massacre

The Local Sweden
The Local Sweden - [email protected]
Swedish military admits role in mink massacre

The Swedish Armed Forces (Försvarsmakten) have apologized for contributing to the death of over 500 minks after low-flying planes caused the animals to turn on their young in a panic-induced killing spree.

Advertisement

The flyby occurred over a mink farm in Svenljunga, southern Sweden, during the military training exercises that took place last summer.

When planes flew past at low altitudes, the adult minks became so terrified that they turned on their young and bit them to death.

Between 500 and 600 minks were killed in the frenzy in which the young pups weren't eaten but fatally bitten by the frightened adult minks.

Following the grisly discovery of hundreds of dead minks, the farmer contacted the Armed Forces and demanded financial compensation for the dead animals.

The Swedish Armed Forces have since apologized for the incident, and agreed to pay for the damages.

Military lawyer Lena Ahlström described the incident as an "unfortunate event".

While exact compensation details have not yet been settled, the farm owners have sent invoices detailing their losses to the Swedish Armed Forces. An exact price is expected to be determined in the coming weeks.

A mink is a carnivorous, semi-aquatic mammal. It's fur is highly valued and is often used to make clothing.

TT/The Local/og

Follow The Local on Twitter

More

Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at [email protected].
Please keep comments civil, constructive and on topic – and make sure to read our terms of use before getting involved.

Please log in to leave a comment.

See Also