The Canada Mink Breeders Association is offering a $100,000 reward for information that would lead to the arrest of those responsible for setting loose 500 minks Friday at a Brant County farm.

A video of the release of the animals on a property on Maple Grove Road was sent to CTV News.

The mink breeders association says the group is known as the Mink Freedom Movement.

In the email with video of the release, the group writes that it, “…doesn’t want to live in a society where the law protects and rewards those who cram animals into filthy pens, denying them everything that is good in life, all for money and greed.”

The mink breeders called the act despicable and irresponsible and said those responsible should be charged with animal cruelty.

 “We are shocked that any person or group would commit such a cruel and irresponsible act. Most of these mink were nursing females; their newborn kits are all under two weeks old – some are only days old -- they are completely dependent on their mothers for warmth and frequent feeding at this stage and many will die,” said CMBA president Marianne Patten.

About 400 mink were found and returned to the farm.

Last year, there were 300 mink released in Guelph and 6,000 from a farm north of St. Marys. The OPP is investigating to see if the cases are connected.