A judge says a Toronto woman was not willfully interfering with a farmer's property by giving water to pigs on a truck headed to slaughter.
Justice David Harris cleared Anita Krajnc of mischief Thursday.
Court heard that on June 22, 2015, Krajnc was dumping liquid from a water bottle into a truck carrying pigs in Burlington as the vehicle approached the Fearmans Pork slaughterhouse.
Krajnc, an activist with the group Toronto Pig Save, had pleaded not guilty although she admitted that she gave water to the pigs.
Four Ontario farm organizations stated disappointment in the decision.
Representatives from Ontario Pork, Farm & Food Care Ontario, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture and the Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario were all on hand for the ruling Thursday.
The Ontario farm organizations 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.
“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," said Eric Schwindt, the board chair for Ontario Pork. "Our concern in this instance was specific to the safety of food and people.”
Pat Jilesen is a director with the Ontario Federation of Agriculture.
"Certainly disappointed in the outcome of his verdict," said Jilesen. "Interfering in the transport of animals is unsafe for humans and for animals."
"[The judge] also highlighted that farmers can continue to do what they do. And they can continue to transport animals safely with all of the regulations in mind," added Jilesen. "The regulations that are there are from the CFIA [Canadian Food Inspection Agency], health of animals and transport rules and regulations. Interfering with animals in transport is unsafe."
One of Krajnc's lawyers has said Krajnc was acting in the public good and was therefore not breaking the law.
The Crown argued that the pigs were the property of a farmer, and Krajnc was interfering with his property when she gave them water.
