BREAKING: Ontario made it ILLEGAL to expose animal suffering on farms, in slaughterhouses, and on transport trucks.

For those saying “Well people shouldn’t trespass on private property!”… There are ALREADY trespass laws in Ontario! Activists can already be prosecuted for breaking trespass laws. These ag gag laws are specifically designed to keep animal abuse hidden. And of course, this would only be an offence on farms where there are animals, NOT farms where there are crops.

Bill 156 was introduced by provincial Agriculture Minister Ernie Hardeman, and what it entails is beyond horrific.

Under the new “ag gag” legislation, advocates who go onto farms uninvited to expose the conditions of the animals could face hefty fines of up to $15,000 for a first offence, and up to $25,000 for subsequent offences.

This disturbing legislation also targets advocates who hold vigils and bear witness to animals in transport, and give water to these animals so this directly impacts anyone involved with The Save Movement. It would also make it illegal to obtain permission by “false pretences” to be on farm property—essentially criminalizing much-needed undercover exposés.

“There are no welfare standards, no public inspections, and there is no meaningful oversight for the tens of millions of animals confined in appalling conditions on farms. Undercover exposés of Ontario farms and slaughterhouses regularly lead to animal cruelty prosecutions and convictions. Greater transparency is good for animals, food safety, and public confidence. Instead of addressing the animal cruelty crisis on farms, the government is misusing the justice system to conceal animal abuse in a way that may well violate the Charter,” said Animal Justice’s executive director @camillelabchuk in our press release.

Alberta recently introduced appalling “ag gag” legislation too, and passed it last week—just 10 days after it was introduced. What’s happening in Alberta and Ontario is disgraceful.

Check in with Animal Justice for updates. Animal Justice consists of lawyers that work to pass strong new animal protection legislation, push for the prosecution of animal abusers, and fight for animals in court.

Find more about the Bill 156 action at Animal Alliance of Canada. Animal Alliance works with legislators to pass sound animal and environmental protection laws.

And for whistleblowers, continue to expose the truth while protecting your sources.