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Charges have been dropped against a Toronto activist who gave water to thirsty pigs on their way to slaughter in a move described as a ‘victory for compassion’.
Anita Krajnc, an activist with Toronto Pig Save, was charged with ‘mischief’ after the incident in 2015.
But today applause broke out in the Ontario court after Judge David Harris ruled in her favour, saying he ‘wasn’t satisfied’ mischief had been committed. If convicted, the activist had faced a possible fine of up to $5,000 – or even jail time.
Krajnc, who previously said it was ‘shocking’ that she was charged for giving water to thirsty pigs paraphrased ex-Beatle and vegetarian Paul McCartney in court. She said: “If slaughterhouses had glass walls, everyone would be vegan and animal activists.”
The activist had garnered significant support globally after being charged, inspiring Pig Save groups around the world and inspiring celebrities including Moby to lend their support. Social media has responded enthusiastically to the judgement, with many using the hashtag #CompassionIsNotACrime on Twitter and Facebook.
Some farming organisations have voiced concern about the way the story has been represented, with Bruce Kelly of Farm and Food Care saying the case ‘is essentially a misdemeanor case about product tampering’.
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