Case of the secretly freed mink

Animal rights activist Nicole Kissane was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison today (January 17) for participating in a cross-country spree freeing mink from fur farms.

Her fellow activist, Joseph Buddenberg, was sentenced to two years in prison in May of last year. The two vandalized homes and businesses with acid, glue, and chemicals as they let the mink escape. She is to pay $423,477 in restitution. He is to pay $398,272.

Federal judge Larry A. Burns described Kissane's activity as a "calculated, premeditated reign of terror over those in the fur industry." Kissane and Buddenberg were charged under the Conspiracy to to Violate the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act.