Animal activist killed by pig transport truck at Fearmans slaughterhouse in Burlington

Regan Russell, age 65, was run over by a transport truck full of pigs bound for slaughter. Reports say the driver did not stop. Halton Regional Police were called to the scene and we’re waiting to hear if an arrest will be made. There were dozens of other activists at the vigil but we understand the police confiscated videos.

The Animal Save Movement holds regular vigils outside of the slaughterhouse to witness and document the suffering of animals. On hot days like today, activists sometimes provide water to overheated pigs, which Russell was doing when she was killed.

“Regan was a kind, elegant, strong, and courageous person,” said Anita Krajnc, founder of the Animal Save Movement shares on the Toronto Pig Save Instagram. “She was a mentor to others, and she always did activism with kindness in her heart.”⠀

Animal Save Movement founder Anita Krajnc was charged with criminal mischief in 2015 for giving water to pigs outside Fearmans, and acquitted in 2017 after a trial that made international headlines.

Russel’s tragic death came just two days after the new controversial agriculture gag (“ag gag”) law, Bill 156, was passed in Ontario, making it an offense to “interact” with farmed animals in a transport truck and will effectively end these peaceful vigils. Bill 156 is designed to cover up animal cruelty on farms and during transport.

The new law goes into effect imminently; local activists planned that today’s would be the last until the law is overturned.

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. ⠀
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The Toronto Pig Save asks Michael Latifi, CEO of Fearmans to release the pigs who were on the transport truck that killed the activist, to a sanctuary as a sign of compassion and respect.⠀
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Toronto Pig Save will be holding a candlelight vigil outside Fearmans slaughterhouse to honour her life. Just like we speak up against Fearmans for murdering 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.

Russel had been active in the animal rights movement since 1979. She regularly attended local weekly vigils.

Take action to help Regan Russell and other animal activists and gain justice by calling/emailing Michael Latifi, CEO of Fearmans: 905 747-3333 and [email protected] and Halton police chief:
905-825-4747 ext. 4700 and [email protected]