KITCHENER -- Animal activists held a protest Saturday at a mink farm in St. Agatha.

The group stood outside Springbrook Fur Farm, holding up signs, and calling for a change in the fur industry.

Activists say keeping the animals locked up is unethical, puts the community at risk, and point to concerns about mink farms and COVID-19.

"We want the public to be aware of what's happening and to be aware of the safety risk that's right here in the community," said protester Mo Markham.

Last month, British Columbia put a moratorium on new mink farms after animals at one property tested positive for the virus.

The protesters in St. Agatha add that the tanning process hurts the environment. They also sprayed a red substance on the road outside the farm.