Cleveland, United States - January 26, 2026 One year after a massive rescue operation at Grand River Fur Exchange, hundreds of animals removed from a fur and urine farm near Cleveland are safe and thriving, Humane World for Animals reports. The rescue, completed in late December 2024, followed the death of the farm’s owner, which escalated an ongoing animal welfare crisis. Responders found foxes, raccoons, wolf-dog hybrids, skunks, opossums, and coyotes living in filthy wire-bottom cages with little protection from freezing conditions. Many animals were emaciated, dehydrated, or missing toes, ears, tails, and limbs, while some had already perished, frozen to their cages. The farm raised animals for fur, exotic pet sales, and predator urine used in hunting, trapping, dog training, and as a “humane” wild animal deterrent. “The suffering and terror on that property was among the most horrific situations imaginable. It’s haunting, even after a year,” said Adam Parascandola, vice president of Humane World for Animals’ Animal Rescue Team. “Seeing the survivors recover and thrive has been incredibly healing. The foxes—once trapped in tiny, frozen cages awaiting a brutal end—now playing with each other in spacious habitats. The skunks, foraging in grass and exploring their new world. So many organizations stepped up and worked together to make this happen.” Ohio state director Mark Finneran called for stricter laws: “It’s concerning that the state of Ohio has not taken action to fix the broken licensing system that allowed such wanton cruelty to slip through the cracks for years.” More than 300 animals were placed across 15 states with wildlife rehabilitators, sanctuaries, and other facilities. Humane World for Animals continues to support their care with veterinary treatment, food, enrichment, and upgraded enclosures. Despite the success of this rescue, tens of millions of animals nationwide remain confined and killed each year to supply the fur industry, highlighting the need for legislation and public action to protect animals from similar cruelty.