Honoring Animal Activist Regan Russell One Year After She Was Tragically Killed In Ontario By A Slaughterhouse Transport Truck After Giving Water To Pigs

More than 60 vigils and memorials were recently held to mark the one-year anniversary of the tragic death of Canadian animal activist Regan Russell, who was killed at Sofina’s Fearmans pig slaughterhouse on June 19, 2020.

As previously reported by WAN, 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. The horrific incident occurred as sixty-five-year-old Russell was crossing the street in front of the slaughterhouse entrance when the driver of a pig slaughter transport truck unexpectedly accelerated, turning in her direction and ending her life.

“This is a fight for the sanctity of our rights as free citizens to demonstrate for what we believe in,” Mark Powell, Russell’s husband, said at the time. “We seek to repeal Bill 156 in its entirety, and let it be known we believe Regan’s blood is on the hands of those that supported this vile legislation.”

Many believe there was a connection between Russell’s death and the bill, which targeted peaceful activities on public property, and granted slaughterhouse truck drivers and farmers greater liability protection. Shockingly, no criminal charges were filed, despite video evidence.

“Last June, Toronto’s animal protection community lost a devoted activist and a dear friend, and we lost her violently, without justice being done for her death,” Varun Virlan, Director of Digital Media for the Animal Save Movement, said in a statement sent to WAN. “Not a day goes by that we don’t vow to keep fighting on her behalf.”

Russell’s death sent shockwaves through the animal welfare community around the world, galvanized long-term advocates, and inspired new ones to join the movement.

A fundraiser to support Ontario animal sanctuaries, many of which rescued animals in Russell’s honor, has been started in her name. Please consider donating to the important fundraiser to save the lives of more farm animals from slaughter, HERE! 

You can help all animals and our planet by choosing compassion on your plate and in your glass. #GoVeg