Deseret News | Judge wants to send message in mink-raid case

Reader comments
Judge wants to send message in mink-raid case

He is a political prisoner | 7:11 p.m. Nov. 12, 2009

"Viehl had several supporters in the courtroom Thursday, one of whom burst into tears when she heard Benson's opinions. She and others expressed anger and frustration at Benson's decision."

She understands all to well that this voter is doing what those who voted for his kind want him to do and persecutes political prisoners like Viehl that stand up to the regimes who wrote these kinds of laws. His decision is no different than those of Judges that sentenced abolitionists and civil rights protesters for breaking immoral laws.

She is right to express anger and frustration because voting has gotten them nowhere and the crimes of the McMullins aren't being punished because voters like the McMullins make their actions legal and the actions of those who stand up to them illegal. Those who disagree with them are then arrested for political opposition to their evil and immoral votes and they are prosecuted and sent to prison for not bowing down to these voters which makes Viehl and those like him political prisoners just like our forefathers who stood up to British voters and broke the laws passed by their ELECTED PARLIAMENT.

xvx | 7:13 p.m. Nov. 12, 2009

This Drives me Wild. (McMullin spoke of the 50 mink that died as a result of the raid, calling them the "unheard victims" in the case who died in a "cruel, thoughtless manner.")
I would rather these animals die in the freedom of exploring their own land than in the hands of some "Legal Enterprise" farmer, who is going to kill them so they can be made into a coat for "fashion" purposes. McMullin is despicable for having even mentioning these beautiful animals as "unheard victims", when he was going to kill and exploit innocent beings(i.e. neck snapping, gas chamber, or even anal electrocution) for money. I hope that no human person ever experiences these death camps we call fur farms ever.

Digbads | 7:42 p.m. Nov. 12, 2009

ALF and Peta are disgusting slugs.

Comments continue below

jail time joke | 12:04 a.m. Nov. 13, 2009

interesting how letting some minks out of their farm is worth more jail time than most dui homicide cases... its ok to drink and drive and kill someone but its far worse to let a bunch of mink out... what a fantastic judge sending an important message...

slwatch | 1:08 a.m. Nov. 13, 2009

This Judge is arrogant... when a deal is made... honor it... no games.

Re: Digbads | 4:20 a.m. Nov. 13, 2009

So are people who abuse animals.

also interesting | 5:35 a.m. Nov. 13, 2009

It's also interesting that animal rights campaigning is a FEDERAL crime of terrorism, and a man out in California lit a dog on fire and was sentenced to 30 days, which is a routine sentence for torture of animals (the torture that does not occur in so-called legitimate enterprises but on Main Street),.

The message sent by Benson, is the message the U.S. Government always sends, in it's foreign and domestic policy: Money is more important than life.

WAF | 7:14 a.m. Nov. 13, 2009

When will these types of groups come to the realization, that our society and the majority, is sick and tired of these types of behaviors. The judge should throw the book at him and send a message that this type of behavior will no longer be tolerated and that this is what is waiting for anybody else that does this. GOOD FOR YOU JUDGE. I support you wholly.

Thank you | 7:17 a.m. Nov. 13, 2009

Terrorism needs to be dealt with in a decisive manor. If anything the sentance is too light. Otherwise we encourage these ALF/Peta terrorists in their criminal enterprise.

Young man, you may be repentant. Good. Serve the sentance honorably and prove it. The devote your life to exposing the ALF cult for what it is.

TMONEY | 7:55 a.m. Nov. 13, 2009

Wow, the crazies are out on this one. You people are putting animals before people. The judge was upset with Mr.Viehls actions that included vandalizing someones business, and threatened his family. Which is what probably drew the ire of the judge. Had he only freed the Minks I don't think we are looking at 2 yrs.

I agree with judge Benson he needs to send a message and deliver a deterent to other crazies who might do the same thing. My guess is the typical ALF soldier will not do too well placed within the general population of a state peniteniary.

In one respect Mr. Viehl is lucky the owners or a security guard were not there to defend the property. Mr. Viehl and his accomplice should feel lucky they weren't on the business end of a 12 gauge. I know that's how I would react if my family was threatened.

Also, Props tpo the McMullen family for getting justice and also showing forgiveness.

Morgan Wolf | 9:04 a.m. Nov. 13, 2009

The most important thing that Veihl and his ALF/PETA supporters are missing is that *THOSE MINK ARE NOT NATIVE TO THIS AREA*, and more importantly, they are cage-born and raised, *THEY HAVE NO IDEA HOW TO HUNT/SURVIVE IN THE WILD*. Only 50 of 650 died before the rest were recovered, think about it- why was it so easy for McMullin to recover 600 mink? THE MINKS DON'T LEAVE.

Removing animals from cages and then abandoning them in a hostile environment that they don't know how to handle is flat out animal cruelty, Viehl should face 650 counts of that charge as well.

Randy | 10:03 a.m. Nov. 13, 2009

Dead mink aside..This was an act of terrorism, plain and simple.
The defendant deserves the 2yr. or longer sentence.

Kudos to the judge.

Honest Luke | 10:15 a.m. Nov. 13, 2009

He's a terrorist. We demand justice. Lock him up and throw away the key.

Mel | 10:50 a.m. Nov. 13, 2009

I do sympathize to an extent. Good intentions that went wrong. PETA and ALF need to realize that they're being too extreme. What would have happened if the minks stayed on the loose? The wild animals out there would have to suddenly compete with 650 other animals for food. Not to mention that the animals wouldn't have grown with the knowledge or instincts to survive. They'd be waiting to be fed instead of looking for food on their own. What of cars? Weather? Other factors are present too.

Yes, it's sad that the animals die. But that's a part of nature. It happens. But martyring them is very anti productive to the cause in the first place.

Think before you act. "What happens to the minks who are suddenly thrown into a whole other situation full of just as much if not more dangers?"

good call | 12:45 p.m. Nov. 13, 2009

if ALF/PETA feel bad about killing animals so are they all vegetarian then? otherwise it's hypocritical for them to take their stand, especially if they're protecting animals but don't have second thoughts about terrorizing humans.

terrorism should be done away with, i agree that if anything, 2 years is too light. once he's out of jail the family will feel unsafe again.

Dan | 12:47 p.m. Nov. 13, 2009

Harvesting animal fur for coats in a world where synthetic fiber is better, environmentally sound, and cruelty free is a practice that is increasingly becoming marginalized in our society. The vast majority of people do not support mink farms but they more vehemently do not support the tactics employed by ALF. And in the end these tactics turn more people off to the ideas of a cruelty-free society. Support the upcoming peaceful protest of the mink farms. I think you would be surprised how many people really do detest those practices.

Idaho plowboy | 2:03 p.m. Nov. 13, 2009

I am saddened by the ignorance of the ALF/PETA supporters. The fifty mink that died because they were "liberated" suffered far more than any mink that is humanely killed in the mink operation. These "rebels without a clue" seem to be looking for a way to justify vandalism and to terrorize in a way that is acceptable only to a minority of thoughtless and immature wannabees. I am sick of this behavior and I am greatful to the Judge for his foresight in this sentence.

Anonymous | 2:09 p.m. Nov. 13, 2009

mink farming holds little value to me. What I object to is groups like peta/alf.They are a uptight group(s) that cause more problems by they acts. By al means make sure these aminals are treated humanly. When a line is crossed a punishment is needed.

Work through legal channels | 2:16 p.m. Nov. 13, 2009

Alf and Peta need to take their case to the public, raise support, get laws passed. Good luck though. We abort human babies in this country and we don't even give them a shot of novocaine first. Somehow, animal activists don't get too upset about that. Man is still very brutal.

donkey | 4:01 p.m. Nov. 13, 2009

please dump off all your unwanted pets and animals to a local PETA and ALF support center.

Anonymous | 9:07 p.m. Nov. 13, 2009

Good for you judge! No one should be able to tresspass and terrorize just becuase they have differing opinions. These people need to be treated like the criminals they are.

Digbads | 9:26 p.m. Nov. 13, 2009

Fur coats and leather are natural, sustainable materials and a much better choice than disgusting artificial imitations.

To "political prisoner" | 9:48 p.m. Nov. 13, 2009

He's not being sentence for opposition to mink farming. He's being sentenced for criminal ACTIONS.

GETALIFE | 10:39 p.m. Nov. 13, 2009

Dear Honorable Judge Benson Thank You, its about time someone stands up to these Domestic Terrorists. Thank you.

P.S. I have always said they need to get a life, or maybe just a job might help.

Justice in Jordan | 10:44 p.m. Nov. 13, 2009

I live in South Jordan and Viehl's actions have directly affected my life and the lives of my neighbors. Some of the mink did escape from the farm from his raid, and they are roaming the area along the Jordan River. There is farm land adjacent to my neighborhood and I used to see pheasants every day in the fields on my way to work, now I haven't seen even one. I've also noticed a decrease in the geese nesting in the area. The mink come into my yard and I have had to take my spaniel to the vet numerous times from being bitten by them. I have had animal control out several times, and they have successfully caught mink in my yard three times. Viehl may think that saving the lives of the mink was a noble deed, but he failed to think about the consequences of his actions upon the community, taxpayers, and private citizens. As far as I see it, he is personally responsible for thousands of dollars worth of vet bills to my neighbors and myself, as well as wasting taxpayer dollars for cleaning up his mess.

Anonymous | 8:50 a.m. Nov. 14, 2009

I would like the terrorist to get the maximum sentence, and all further terrorists get the maximum sentence !

Howard | 9:00 a.m. Nov. 14, 2009

Make the creep volunteer at the mink farm after he serves his 2 years. Since when is any animal more important than a human or their livelihood?

braniac | 9:01 a.m. Nov. 14, 2009

Think before you act please. This should help us all!

anti-xvx | 9:13 a.m. Nov. 14, 2009

Viehl should get the the full 5 year sentence. He may have freed the mink out of misguided ideals, but he threatened an innocent family. I fully support the judge's decision. Viehl is no "political prisoner;" he is a vandal and a terrorist. xvx and political prison should be ashamed of their comments.

anti-xvx | 10:22 a.m. Nov. 14, 2009

I fully agree with the Judge's decision. If anything, the sentence is too light. He should get the full five years. He is not a "political prisoner." He is a vandal and a terrorist. There is nothing morally wrong with raising animals for meat or fur. What is morally wrong is labeling one of the finest men that I've ever known as "despicable" because some radial doesn't understand.

anti-xvx | 10:31 a.m. Nov. 14, 2009

Viehl deserves the full 5 year sentence. He is not a "political prisoner." He is a vandal and terrorist. Raising animals for fur or meat is not morally wrong. What is morally wrong is calling the victim, one of the finest men that I have ever known, "despicable." What is despicable is putting animal rights above human right.

Nate | 12:20 p.m. Nov. 14, 2009

Are ALF and PETA going to let all of the cattle out in Utah and Wyoming so we won't have shoes or belts and put McDonalds' out of business? Get real guys. This is a farming enterprise. Viehl intentionally damaged someone's property and business. As such he needs to pay for it. If Viehl is such a dedicated ALF type then he should be proud to be a martyr and sit in jail for 2 years. Stupid is as Stupid does (Forrest Gump's mom).

Rich | 4:58 p.m. Nov. 14, 2009

"this sentence has got to be a deterrent, a message sent to other people."
The judge who said this needs to be removed from office. You do not punish someone to a greater extent to prove a point to other people. When you do this to someone that individual is serving a sentence for crimes they never committed. I think Adolf Hitler had the same idea.

Getalife | 8:52 a.m. Nov. 16, 2009

Sometimes you ALF/PETA just dont get it ! Viehl's did the crime, he terrorized this family farm, He targeted, premeditated, and carried it out! But just what was he thinking? that I-15 would make a crosswalk for the mink so they could escape to the mountains! NO, this was a crime just to Terrorize the victim, he did not think about these mink for 1 sec. It was pure and simple terrorism!!!!
Do the crime, spend the time, and hopefully one day he might getalife !

Anonymous | 9:18 a.m. Nov. 16, 2009

I agree that raising animals for some woman's overly inflated eho is morally reprehensible. so is turning this animals into the mild. I just shun people wearing fur.

Anonymous | 10:19 a.m. Nov. 16, 2009

It is amazing how anyone can provide a moral or legal justification for individuals terrorizing people trying to make a living through lawful means. I hope that this individual gets the maximum sentence and that it does serve as a deterrent to others who think these types of actions are appropriate.

Getalife | 8:21 a.m. Nov. 17, 2009

Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act, is what this case was prosecuted under, look it up and study it, straight edgers/ ALF, this is what the law is, and Judge Benson is following the law, the maximum is 5 years & I think
Viehl should get it. And how about the other mink ranch that was released about 3 or 4 weeks later, there was 6,000 mink released there, & 1,000 mink were killed in that one, to bad can't find the guy that did that DUH !!!!!
The Judge is saying this all needs to STOP ! so all of you need pay attention...........PLEASE Getalife..........

Thor | 3:59 p.m. Nov. 18, 2009

Good for the Judge. He understands that mink farming is a LEGAL piece of animal husbandry that cleans up on offall from other industries such as pork,poultry & cattle meat industry. Those enterprises feed us and the throw away parts feed the mink which provide a biodigradable naturally renewable resourse that keeps mink farmers and a myriad of other people employed. Three cheers for the judge.

Nico | 8:48 a.m. Nov. 19, 2009

Mink are raised for fur, they are mean, there not some fuzzy pet you get.
They will get in a chicken coop and kill all of your chickens not for meat, but just for the fun of it! They belong to the skunk family, they have a horrible smell!.
But let me tell you they make the warmest coat you will ever have, they will last you a life time,and when your done withyour fur put it in a land fill their as GREEN as you get! I love my coats, I think I might buy another one this year,
and I don't have an inflated ego, I just like to be warm!

Add your comment

Comments are monitored. Any comments found to be abusive, offensive, off-topic, misrepresentative, more than 200 words or containing URLs will not be posted.

Words Remaining

E-mail address: For internal use only. We may want to contact you to publish your comment (not your e-mail address) in the newspaper or for a separate story idea.