Heartbreaking News! Animal Activist Regan Russell Was Struck & Killed Today By A Slaughterhouse Transport Truck As She Was Giving Water To Pigs On Their Way To Slaughter
Lauren Lewis
We are heartbroken to report the news about the tragic passing of animal activist Regan Russell, who was struck and killed today by a slaughterhouse transport truck outside of the Fearmans Pork Inc. slaughterhouse in Burlington, Ontario, in Canada.
Regan died after being run over while bearing witness today to offer water to pigs on their way to slaughter on a scorching hot day, giving them a final moment of peace – as she had done many times before.
Halton Regional Policehave begun an investigation into the tragic incident and have been using Twitter as a means of dispersing information to the public.
“Members of our Victim Services Unit are at the scene of this tragic fatality to provide support and assistance to all involved,” the department stated in a post. “If you have been impacted and need to reach us, please call 905-825-4747 ext. 5239 or email us at victimservices@haltonpolice.ca.”
WAN reached out to the Halton Police Department to find out more information and will continue to update the story.
“Regan was a kind, elegant, strong, and courageous person,” said Anita Krajnc, Founder of the Animal Save Movement.“She was a mentor to others, and she always did activism with kindness in her heart.”
Regan had been an animal advocate since 1979, attended vigils weekly for years, and cared deeply about justice for animals and protecting the vulnerable.
Ten thousand pigs are slaughtered at the Fearmans Pork slaughterhouse every day. Toronto Pig Save activists have been holding regular vigils outside Fearmans since 2014 when Quality Meat Packers closed in downtown Toronto. ⠀
The tragic death comes two days after the controversial agricultural gag (“ag gag”) law, Bill 156, was passed in Ontario. Bill 156 is designed to cover up animal cruelty on farms and during transport. ⠀
Toronto Pig Save asks that Michael Latifi, CEO of Fearmans, release the pigs who were on the transport truck that killed the activist, to a sanctuary as a sign of compassion and respect.
Toronto Pig Save will be holding a candlelight vigil outside Fearmans slaughterhouse to honor Regan’s life.
“Just like we speak up against Fearmans for killing innocent beings, we will not stand back as that industry of death shamelessly steals the life of a warrior. She died fighting against an industry that hides the truth, as shown by the passing of “Ag gag” legislation, Bill 156, just days ago,” stated Toronto Pig Save.
The death of this compassionate and dedicated activist will not be in vain. This tragic accident should serve as a reminder of how unconscionable the transport and slaughter of live animals is and why this senseless atrocity must end.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call Halton Police at 905-825-4747 or Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.
Regan was a wife, a daughter, and a best friend. May God Bless this beautiful animal activist.
