Animal Save Movement is outraged at the Halton Regional Police Service for bringing charges of “Careless Driving,” against the driver of a pig transport truck in the June 19th death of animal activist Regan Russell.
Russell was attending a special Toronto Pig Save vigil to protest Ontario’s passage of the unconstitutional “ag-gag” Bill 156, and had been giving water to dehydrated pigs on one of the hottest days of the year.
Tragically, Russell was standing at the slaughterhouse entrance when the yet-to-be-named 28-year-old driver unexpectedly accelerated, turning in her direction and ending her life. This took place two days after “ag-gag” legislation in the form of Bill 156 was approved by the Ontario government, following months of extensive lobbying by meat, dairy, egg, and other animal industries.
“These charges are feeble and do not amount to justice for Regan. Enough is enough. How many more lives will be lost at the hands of Sofina and Fearmans before they agree to a safety policy?” Anita Krajnc, Co-founder of Animal Save Movement said in a statement sent to WAN. “They’ve rejected these calls for far too long and have Regan’s blood on their hands. We will not rest until Bill 156 is repealed.”
Sixty-five-year-old Russell was a pioneer of Canada’s animal rights movement and had peacefully campaigned on behalf of animals for more than 40 years.
Animal Save Movement demands the release of video footage obtained by police that show the incident.
There is a long history of reckless driving from truckers. Toronto Pig Save called for safety protocols to be implemented after vigil attendees were nearly hit by trucks on a number of occasions and launched a Change.org petition demanding a safety agreement.
Animal Save Movement demands that the Ontario government immediately repeal Bill 156, and replace it with a Regan Bill of Animal Rights that would protect the rights of protestors to demonstrate safely; defend whistleblowers, journalists, and others who document animal suffering; recognize the personhood of pigs and other animals; defund animal agriculture; and invest in plant-based food systems in Ontario.
Sign the petition urging Michael Latifi, the owner of Sofina’s Fearmans pig slaughterhouse, to stop endangering activists, HERE!
Ways to help ensure that justice for Regan Russell is served are available HERE!
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