Family wants answers in ‘senseless and preventable’ death of Hamilton activist Regan Russell outside slaughterhouse

Regan Russell's family is seeking answers after the animal rights activist was killed while protesting outside a Burlington slaughterhouse.

Russell, 65, died after being struck by a transport truck outside Fearmans Pork at Appleby Line and Harvester Road last Friday morning.

Witnesses said she had been giving water to pigs inside the trailer of a truck entering the meat processing facility shortly before she was hit.

A news release issued Thursday by Russell's family said they have hired Hamilton lawyer Anandi Naipaul, who specializes in personal injury cases, to investigate the matter."

Mark Powell, Russell's partner of 19 years, told the Spectator he assumes her death was a tragic accident," but they want to gather all of the facts surrounding it.

The release calls her death senseless and preventable."

Halton police continues an investigation of the incident, said media relations officer Steve Elms in an email to The Spectator: A determination on charges will made by the collision reconstruction unit once the investigation is complete."

A vigil was held last Friday night outside the Fearmans facility to honour Russell, but additional tributes have spread far and wide.

A video included in the news release, posted by Animal Save Movement, shows supporters mourning her death in countries such as Argentina and Italy, holding signs with messages such as Thank you Regan Russell."

Powell said the support is overwhelming and surreal.

The memorial is being done daily, around the globe, and it's not only unbelievable, but so comforting," he said.

A GoFundMe campaign has been created to continue Regan's work and assist the family," said the release.

Sofina Foods, owner of the meat plant, said in a statement on its website that the company is saddened by Russell's death, and is fully co-operating with the investigation ... Our thoughts and prayers go out to the individual and her family ... We also recognize the impact that this event had on our employees and have been providing support to them in these very difficult times."

Powell said Russell had been protesting Bill 156, passed at Queen's Park on June 17.

According to language in the legislation, the bill is intended to prohibit trespassing on farms and other properties on which farm animals are located and to prohibit other interferences with farm animals" to protect the safety of farmers and workers at animal processing facilities, as well as the safety of drivers of motor vehicles transporting farm animals."

This is a fight for the sanctity of our rights as free citizens to demonstrate for what we believe in," reads the family's news release. For years activists have been attempting to engage these plants, and the (agriculture) industry's utter lack of compassion has led to various incidents ... While she championed many causes, Regan's last moments were spent standing for what she most deeply believed in, alongside beloved friends supporting animal rights."

Powell said he's certain his partner never felt her activism put her own life in danger.

Regan was a seasoned pro, and she kept others out of harm's way. She knew what she was doing ... But we shouldn't have to worry about our safety just because we want to peacefully protest."

Jon Wells is a Hamilton-based reporter and feature writer for The Spectator. Reach him via email: jwells@thespec.com