Animal Justice Gets Win in Chilliwack

By Animal Welfare Media of BC 2025/01/30 16:24

The British Columbia government has taken action against a local slaughterhouse after an explosive exposé by Animal Justice revealed shocking abuse of pigs at the facility. Johnston’s Packers Ltd in the Fraser Valley was sanctioned following the release of disturbing undercover footage showing pigs being beaten, improperly stunned, and killed in brutal conditions.

The footage, part of Animal Justice’s investigation "The Truth About Happy Meat," dismantles the industry’s claims that so-called "humane" meat production prioritizes animal welfare. Instead, it exposes the routine suffering that animals endure even in facilities that promote themselves as ethical.

In response to the exposé, the B.C. Ministry of Agriculture confirmed that they had taken enforcement action against Johnston’s Packers Ltd. However, they have not disclosed specifics about the penalties or whether the facility will face long-term consequences beyond regulatory sanctions.

"The gut-wrenching footage from this slaughterhouse reveals the horrific suffering that pigs endure when they are killed for food. The government must go beyond slaps on the wrist and hold slaughterhouses truly accountable to prevent more suffering," said Camille Labchuk, executive director of Animal Justice.

While the government’s response signals some accountability, a troubling media silence has emerged in the wake of the investigation. Notably, CBC refused to air or share the exposé, effectively burying critical information that affects public awareness and consumer choices. This decision has sparked backlash, with critics accusing the national broadcaster of failing in its journalistic duty to inform Canadians about issues that impact animal welfare, food ethics, and public trust in regulatory oversight.

In response to CBC’s silence, a scathing op-ed was published in the Fraser Valley News Network titled "Silence is Complicity: Exposing the Cruelty in Our Backyard." The piece calls out CBC for ignoring its mandate to report on stories of national interest, particularly those that influence Canadian democracy by shedding light on hidden industry practices.

The refusal to air the investigation raises concerns about media gatekeeping and the influence of corporate interests in shaping public discourse. When a major public broadcaster chooses to look away from documented animal cruelty, it allows systemic abuse to continue in the shadows.

At the time of posting, we have reached out to CBC for comment but have yet to hear back on the matter.

Animal Justice’s exposé makes it clear: the labels of "humane" and "ethical" meat are often nothing more than marketing tools. If consumers are to make informed decisions, they deserve access to the truth—something CBC has regrettably failed to provide.

For those who want to see the full investigation, the original exposé can be viewed at Animal Justice.

Take Action: (Updated Jan 31)

To demand further investigation and accountability, email the B.C. Ministry of Agriculture at agriservicebc@gov.bc.ca  and cc your local MLA (find yours here) and urge them to take stronger action against Johnston’s Packers Ltd.
You also have the right to request a meeting with your MLA to discuss matters that are important with you; stay polite and respectful though!