Earlier today Jonathan Talbot, a former worker at Chilliwack
Cattle Sales—the largest dairy factory farm in Canada—was sentenced to 35 days
in jail for abusing animals. His sentence also prohibits him from having large
animals in his custody or care for two years. Talbot was sentenced after pleading
guilty to one count of violating the British Columbia Wildlife Act and two
counts of violating the BC Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
Cattle Sales—the largest dairy factory farm in Canada—was sentenced to 35 days
in jail for abusing animals. His sentence also prohibits him from having large
animals in his custody or care for two years. Talbot was sentenced after pleading
guilty to one count of violating the British Columbia Wildlife Act and two
counts of violating the BC Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
Today’s sentence is based on a Mercy For Animals undercover
investigation at Chilliwack Cattle Sales. Video footage shows workers viciously
beating cows with canes, kicking cows, throwing objects at a bull’s testicles, and
poking and squeezing festering wounds.
investigation at Chilliwack Cattle Sales. Video footage shows workers viciously
beating cows with canes, kicking cows, throwing objects at a bull’s testicles, and
poking and squeezing festering wounds.
Watch the footage that led to Talbot’s jail sentence here:
Talbot is the fifth worker to receive a jail sentence for the
animal abuse revealed through MFA’s groundbreaking investigation. Earlier this
year four other Chilliwack Cattle Sales workers were sentenced to a combined
147 days in jail. These landmark sentences marked the
first time in Canadian history that former factory farm workers were
sentenced to jail for malicious animal abuse exposed through an undercover
investigation by an animal protection organization. Last December, in another historic
victory for animals, Chilliwack Cattle Sales and its owner Wesley Kooyman
were convicted of animal cruelty and ordered to pay fines totaling almost $350,000.
One more worker’s case remains unsettled. Brad Genereux entered an intention
to plead guilty on May 29, 2017. Genereux’s plea date and possible
sentencing have been scheduled for October 4, 2017.
animal abuse revealed through MFA’s groundbreaking investigation. Earlier this
year four other Chilliwack Cattle Sales workers were sentenced to a combined
147 days in jail. These landmark sentences marked the
first time in Canadian history that former factory farm workers were
sentenced to jail for malicious animal abuse exposed through an undercover
investigation by an animal protection organization. Last December, in another historic
victory for animals, Chilliwack Cattle Sales and its owner Wesley Kooyman
were convicted of animal cruelty and ordered to pay fines totaling almost $350,000.
One more worker’s case remains unsettled. Brad Genereux entered an intention
to plead guilty on May 29, 2017. Genereux’s plea date and possible
sentencing have been scheduled for October 4, 2017.
The cruelty exposed through MFA’s Chilliwack Cattle Sales
investigation prompted British Columbia’s agricultural minister, Norm Letnick,
to amend the BC Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act to incorporate the Dairy
Code of Practice. MFA is calling on all provinces to incorporate the Dairy Code
of Practice into their animal cruelty legislation. Giving the Dairy Code of
Practice the force of law will require the dairy industry to follow basic
minimum standards for animal welfare.
investigation prompted British Columbia’s agricultural minister, Norm Letnick,
to amend the BC Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act to incorporate the Dairy
Code of Practice. MFA is calling on all provinces to incorporate the Dairy Code
of Practice into their animal cruelty legislation. Giving the Dairy Code of
Practice the force of law will require the dairy industry to follow basic
minimum standards for animal welfare.
You can act today to protect cows and all animals from needless
suffering and violence by choosing a healthy and humane vegan diet. Visit ChooseVeg.com for ideas on how to go dairy-free!
suffering and violence by choosing a healthy and humane vegan diet. Visit ChooseVeg.com for ideas on how to go dairy-free!
