Joaquin Phoenix: Honors Animal Rights Activist Killed Outside Slaughterhouse
On June 26, Oscar-winning vegan actor Joaquin Phoenix participated in a vigil with more than 100 animal rights activists to honor Regan Russell at the Smithfield-owned Farmer John slaughterhouse in Vernon, CA.
On June 26, Oscar-winning vegan actor Joaquin Phoenix participated in a vigil with more than 100 animal rights activists to honor Regan Russell at the Smithfield-owned Farmer John slaughterhouse in Vernon, CA.
On June 19, Regan Russell, who has been fighting for animal rights since 1979, was killed by a livestock transport truck carrying pigs to slaughter in Burlington, Ontario, Canada. The 65-year-old activist was part of an event organized by Toronto Pig Save, in which a group of activists gave water to pigs on their way to slaughter — which she was doing when the truck killed her. In addition to animal rights, Russell was a long-time activist for racial justice, gender equality, and other human rights issues.
Phoenix honors Russell outside slaughterhouse
“Regan Russell spent the last moments of her life offering comfort to pigs who had never experienced the touch of a kind hand,” said Phoenix. “While her tragic death has caused profound grief, we will honor her memory by confronting the cruelties she fought so hard against — by marching with Black Lives, protecting Indigenous rights, fighting for equality, and living a compassionate vegan life.”
Ag-Gag law aims to silence activists
On June 17, Ontario passed the new Ag-Gag legislation Bill 156, which prohibits activists from “interacting” with farm animals in order to document their mistreatment.
Regan Russell, who regularly attended local vigils, had intended the event on June 19 — the day she was killed — to be her final peaceful protest until the law could be repealed.
«The government of Ontario may try to silence us by passing their Ag-Gag law – Bill 156 – but we will never go away and never back down,» said Phoenix. «My heart goes out to the Toronto Animal Save community and to Regan's lifelong partner Mark Powell.»
Since Russell's death, Powell has engaged a lawyer to fight for justice for his wife and to overturn the new Ag-Gag legislation. «In pursuing justice, we have this to say: it does not end with a senseless death or a major meat dealer,»said Powell. «This is not just a fight for vegetarians, vegans, and animal rights advocates. This is a fight for the sanctity of our rights as free citizens to demonstrate what we believe in. We are seeking to overturn Bill 156 in its entirety, and we make it known that we believe Regan's blood is on the hands of those who supported this abhorrent legislation.» More on the topic of animal welfare issues in the meat industry at wildbeimwild.com.
