For the good of animals, Bill 156 must be repealed

Ontario’s Bill 156, which outlaws whistleblower exposés on farms and slaughterhouses, was recently passed. This bill, based on the Ontario Federation of Agriculture’s scientifically disproved assertion that animals are not sentient beings, was passed by our Conservative government. As anyone who has ever interacted with an animal knows this to be untrue (including farmers), it is obvious this decision was made to appease the OFA so they can increase their profits by not having to maintain their animals’ health and well-being.

This bill must be repealed. The Ontario government needs to put in laws to ensure animals destined for the meat market are not abused during their lifetime; this means government rules and inspections to ensure their welfare.

To help farmers with the cost of implementing humane protocols, tax incentives should be offered.

Canadians are incensed when they hear about cats and dogs being inhumanely treated and consumed in other countries. How do we justify pigs, cows and chickens in our society being treated in the same way?

As Mahatma Gandhi said: “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” Re Ontario law to protect food producers could punish whistleblowers, animal rights groups warn, June 9