Despite the defence creating over-the-top, headline-grabbing statements in court and using arguments not based on science, Justice David Harris has acquitted activist Anita Krajnc on the charge of criminal mischief related to interfering with hogs while in transit.
Justice Harris says activists can protest laws, but they have to do that “within the confines of the laws that exist” #PigTrial
— Ann Hui (@annhui) May 4, 2017
The trial stems from an event on June 22, 2015, whereby Kranjc poured a substance from a water bottle into a pig’s mouth while the pig was on a transport truck, destined for Fearman’s Pork processing facility in Burlington, Ontario.
Justice Harris, addressing the court this morning, said that pigs are property, not persons, and would receive water once they arrived at the processing facility. The animals were still accepted and cleared for human consumption, and so no damage to property occurred.
Justice Harris said those Gandhi, Mandela, Susan B. Mandela comparisons made by Krajnc lawyers to get attention on social media #PigTrial
— Ann Hui (@annhui) May 4, 2017
Farm & Food Care Ontario, Ontario Pork, Ontario Federation of Agriculture, and the Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario released a joint statement in response to the dismissal of charges related to interfering with farm animals while in transit, saying they are extremely disappointed with the decision and are concerned that activists will be encouraged to engage in escalating activities that are a growing threat to animal welfare, food security and human safety.
Bruce Kelly, Farm & Food Care Ontario said that “Ontario farmers work hard to ensure high standards of animal welfare and a safe and healthy food supply for Canadians. Actions by Krajnc and activists like her should not be condoned by the courts as they threaten acceptable and legal farming practices and are a threat to food safety.”
Justice Harris currently dismissing much of the testimony given by defence’s expert witnesses, saying some of it not scientific
— Ann Hui (@annhui) May 4, 2017
“This is frustrating for Ontario pork producers, who adhere to federal regulations and high standards of animal care, and are constantly evolving to further enhance their commitment to healthy animals and communities. Our concern in this instance was specific to the safety of food and people,” says Eric Schwindt, board chair for Ontario Pork.
Related: Burlington Pig Case Shows It’s Worth Planning to Encounter Activists
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