Media Releases

Animal Justice Demands Investigation of Dairy Cows Deaths in Latest Barn Fire

TORONTO – The latest barn fire in Brockton, Ontario last night saw over 50 cows and 20 calves burned alive. The cows no doubt died in agony as they burned to death with no means of escape.

The barn fire epidemic highlights the virtual absence of fire safety measures taken to prevent farmed animals from burning alive. Barns aren’t even typically equipped with alarms.

Anna Pippus, director of farmed animal advocacy with national animal law organization Animal Justice, said the following:

“The Fire Marshal must investigate the cause of this blaze alongside the Ontario SPCA, which enforces animal protection laws in the province. If the fire and consequent animal suffering were caused by negligence, animal cruelty charges must be considered.

“The lives of animals used for food are characterized by misery and deprivation. Allowing them to burn alive with no means of escape is yet another manifestation of a broken food system that fails to acknowledge animals as the sensitive individuals they really are.

“This winter, thousands of animals have already experienced the torment of being burned alive in barn fires. Enough is enough. Law enforcement and government must take action to end the suffering.”
 

-30-

For more information, contact:

Anna Pippus
Director of Farmed Animal Advocacy
[email protected]