FW: Barn Fires in Canada - New video shows terrorized pigs

August 21, 2009

Please take a moment to write and express your feelings about this.

Sensitive material and viewing

Dear all,

Every once in a while we all see something that makes us want to give up.

Footage and photos recently provided to CETFA showing images taken just after a massive pig barn fire here in Canada less than a month ago, have had that effect on us.

The footage clearly shows that before succumbing to smoke inhalation, the pigs are panicked, frantically running and piling in their pens.

The sows, completely squished into gestation stalls attempt to jump up out of their crates or squeeze through the bars. All of it is of course, futile.

What we were not prepared for though was to see that the abdomens of the pregnant sows rupture in the fire, spilling internal organs and uterusus. These uteruses contain piglets in various stages of development.

We all know there will be many more fires. The pig producers are saying so in media interviews. This amounts to premeditated cruelty, yet our government continues to turn a blind eye. While this information may make you want to give up; with no one protecting these animals, it's up to all of us. The pigs need a groundswell of voices speaking for them. Please watch our latest video, forward it and post it on your social networking sites.

We are asking that you contact your Member of the Legislative Assembly and Agriculture Minister Ritz to demand that fire code retrofits in the form of smoke detectors and sprinklers be required for all pig producers intending to continue in the business that are applying for federal government bail-out funds and loans.

Contact Minister Gerry Ritz here:

The Honourable Gerry Ritz

Minister of Agriculture

930 Carling Avenue

Ottawa, ON K1A 0C5

Phone: (613) 759-1000

Email: Ritz.G (AT) parl (DOT) gc.ca

If you require any additional material - highresolution photos or footage, please let us know. This evidence needs to be seen by Canadians. Only then will they act.

Thank you.

- Twyla and the CETFA Team

Twyla Francois

Head of Investigation

Canadians for the Ethical Treatment of Food Animals

www.cetfa.com

204-296-1375