Earlier today, a total of 20 animal cruelty charges were filed
against the owners of Chilliwack Cattle Sales—the largest dairy factory farm in
the country—and seven workers. These landmark charges stem from an
investigation by Mercy For Animals in May 2014, documenting Chilliwack workers
beating, kicking, and punching animals; using chains and tractors to hoist cows
into the air; poking and squeezing festering wounds; and punching bulls in the
testicles.
against the owners of Chilliwack Cattle Sales—the largest dairy factory farm in
the country—and seven workers. These landmark charges stem from an
investigation by Mercy For Animals in May 2014, documenting Chilliwack workers
beating, kicking, and punching animals; using chains and tractors to hoist cows
into the air; poking and squeezing festering wounds; and punching bulls in the
testicles.
Watch the undercover video:
Owners John Kooyman, Kenneth
Kooyman, Wesley Kooyman, Jeffery Kooyman and Bradley Kooyman, and workers Travis
Keefer, Jonathan Talbot, Jamie Visser, Chris Vandyke, Cody Larson, Brad
Genereux, and Lloyd Blackwell have each been charged with violating sections 9.1(1)
and 9.1(2) of the BC Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. If
convicted, the owners and workers each face fines of up to $75,000, up to two
years’ imprisonment, and up to a lifetime ban on owning animals.
Kooyman, Wesley Kooyman, Jeffery Kooyman and Bradley Kooyman, and workers Travis
Keefer, Jonathan Talbot, Jamie Visser, Chris Vandyke, Cody Larson, Brad
Genereux, and Lloyd Blackwell have each been charged with violating sections 9.1(1)
and 9.1(2) of the BC Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. If
convicted, the owners and workers each face fines of up to $75,000, up to two
years’ imprisonment, and up to a lifetime ban on owning animals.
Immediately following the investigation, Mercy For Animals reported
the clear violations of British Columbia’s anti-cruelty laws to the BC Society
for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, which raided the facility and
recommended that charges be filed. Mercy For Animals praises the BCSPCA for
pursuing justice in this important matter.
the clear violations of British Columbia’s anti-cruelty laws to the BC Society
for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, which raided the facility and
recommended that charges be filed. Mercy For Animals praises the BCSPCA for
pursuing justice in this important matter.
At the time of the investigation, Chilliwack Cattle Sales was a
major supplier to Montreal-based Saputo, the largest dairy processor in Canada.
In 2015, following discussions with Mercy For Animals, Saputo announced its
adoption of a new animal welfare policy for its global dairy supply chain.
major supplier to Montreal-based Saputo, the largest dairy processor in Canada.
In 2015, following discussions with Mercy For Animals, Saputo announced its
adoption of a new animal welfare policy for its global dairy supply chain.
A year later, BC agricultural minister Norm Letnick
announced that the province would reference the Dairy Code of Practice in the
BC Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, but not give it the force of law. The
Dairy Code of Practice sets forth certain minimum requirements regarding the
treatment and welfare of Canada’s dairy cows. Mercy For Animals is now calling
for all provinces, including BC, to give the Dairy Code of Practice the force
of law in their provincial animal cruelty legislation in order to ensure that
dairy cows receive a basic level of care and humane handling.
announced that the province would reference the Dairy Code of Practice in the
BC Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, but not give it the force of law. The
Dairy Code of Practice sets forth certain minimum requirements regarding the
treatment and welfare of Canada’s dairy cows. Mercy For Animals is now calling
for all provinces, including BC, to give the Dairy Code of Practice the force
of law in their provincial animal cruelty legislation in order to ensure that
dairy cows receive a basic level of care and humane handling.
Click here to learn more.
