More than 60 worldwide vigils and memorials will mark the one-year anniversary of the death of local animal activist Regan Russell, who was killed at Sofina’s Fearmans pig slaughterhouse in June 2020. Animal Save Movement is holding three local events to honour the veteran activist whose social justice advocacy included Black Lives Mater, Indigenous rights, and LGBTQ+ equality, in addition to promoting animal rights since 1977. Members of the media are invited to attend the following events: WHAT: Bear witness with the Russell-Powell family WHEN: Friday June 18, 2021, 7 a.m.-2 p.m. WHERE: Sofina’s Fearmans pig slaughterhouse, 821 Appleby Line, Burlington, ON L7L 4W9 WHO: Mark Powell, Regan’s husband, and Bill Russell, father WHY: To honour Regan, challenge Ontario’s Bill 156, the bill she was protesting when she was killed on June 19, 2020 MORE: https://www.facebook.com/events/2797865277193403 WHAT: Memorial at the home of Regan’s parents WHEN: Saturday June 19, 2-3 p.m. WHERE: Home of Bill Russell (address provided on RSVP) WHO: Members of the family and friends to speak WHY: An intimate afternoon to pay respects to Regan and continue her work MORE: If you would like to attend to report on this event please RSVP to Adrienne George, 289-687-0495, [email protected] for address WHAT: Vigil at Fearmans pig slaughterhouse WHEN: Saturday June 19th, 2021, 6pm – 10:30pm WHERE: Sofina’s Fearmans slaughterhouse, 821 Appleby Line, Burlington, ON L7L 4W9 WHO: Local activists, friends, and family WHY: Speakers, music, demonstrations, candlelight vigil outside the gates where Regan died MORE: https://www.facebook.com/events/854865191747062 On June 19, 2020, Regan Russell, 65, a former Mrs. Canada, was protesting Ontario’s newly passed “ag-gag” law, Bill 156, in front of Sofina’s Fearmans slaughterhouse when she was struck and killed by a pig transport truck. Many activists saw a connection between Regan’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. “This is a fight for the sanctity of our rights as free citizens to demonstrate for what we believe in,” said Mark Powell, Regan’s husband, in 2020. “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.” “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,” said Varun Virlan, Animal Save Movement’s director of digital media. “Not a day goes by that we don’t vow to keep fighting on her behalf.” Regan’s death sent shockwaves to activists around the world, galvanized long-term advocates, and inspired new ones to join the movement. More than 60 Animal Save Movement chapters around the world will hold vigils and other actions in her memory: https://thesavemovement.org/global-vigil-for-regan/. A fundraiser to support Ontario animal sanctuaries has been started in her name: https://www.drove.com/campaign/60a23cbd8e10cf8632761686. Many of these sanctuaries rescued animals in Regan’s honor. |
hello
