The future of proceedings against those charged of abusing chickens in 2017 could be decided this afternoon. An arraignment hearing – where those charged plead innocent or guilty, and opt for trial by judge or jury – was scheduled for July in Chilliwack, but was put over till August 28 in Surrey. Defense counsel requested …
welfare
Hog farm won’t face charges
ABBOTSFORD – BC SPCA is declining to press charges against an Abbotsford hog farm targeted by animal rights activists. Representatives of the association, which is responsible under the province’s Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act to investigate complaints and enforce laws related to animal welfare, visited the farm in early May and found no grounds …
Johnston’s Packers targeted by activists
CHILLIWACK – Bonnie Windsor is assistant plant manager at Johnston’s Packers Ltd., the largest provincially inspected slaughterhouse in BC. The business has been processing hogs in Chilliwack since 1937, making it one of the province’s oldest plants, too. Windsor is bright, articulate, hardworking and has a raucous sense of humour. She could be working in …
Protest sends warning signal
The invasion of an Abbotsford hog farm by protestors shortly after dawn on April 28 was the culmination of days of rumours that such an incident was in the works. Fraser Valley livestock producers were on alert, and police in Abbotsford were aware of the rumours, but there was no solid evidence until protestors arrived …
Codes of practice need producer input
VICTORIA – BC SPCA hosted the first Canadian Animal Policy Symposium in Victoria on March 1, bringing together provincial policymakers and scientists from across Canada to share best practices in animal policy development. Working collaboratively and proactively is key to crafting animal policy. “The art of collaboration – Canadians do it really well,” summarizes UBC …
Animal cruelty charges laid
Three parties appeared in Chilliwack provincial court this week to hear charges laid following a 2017 investigation into the abuse of chickens at farms in the Fraser Valley. Elite Farm Services Ltd., its president Dwayne Dueck, and processor Sofina Foods Inc. are charged with 38 counts of abusing animals. The charges were brought forward by …