The four-week trial of three animal rights activists facing a total of 14 charges linked to the Excelsior pig farm opened in Abbotsford today (June 27). The trio and attorney Joe Killoran held a brief conference before the court appearance.
About 50 supporters of Roy Sasano, Nick Schafer and Amy Soranno, many holding signs, lined up outside the courtroom shortly after 8 a.m.
The trio face a number of break and enter and mischief charges following actions at the farm in February, March and April 2019. The farm was also the scene of a protest on April 28, 2019.
Press conference and rally outside the #Abbotsford courtroom related to the first day of the @theexcelsior4 test. Trial begins at 10 a.m. pic.twitter.com/MOXlPeGjxy
— Ben Lypka (@BenLypka) June 27, 2022
Soranno said his disappointment that they face jail time, while farmers who they believe mistreated animals face no repercussions. She said there is a systemic bias against animals and activists and she hopes transparency in this case will shed light on what she says happened at the Abbotsford farm.
She added that she believes the BC SPCA and Abbotsford Police Department did not properly investigate the situation at the farm. This statement was supported by Killoran.
“I don’t think they handled it very well,” he said of APD. “I think they lost evidence and there will be a review during the trial showing that other mistakes were made. I don’t think that’s an exemplary job by the Abbotsford police.
He added that he believed the trial would show sloppy police work by the APD.
The trial lasts four weeks at the Abbotsford courthouse.
AbbotsfordAnimal welfareCourtAgriculture
(left to right) Roy Sasano, Amy Soranno, attorney Joe Killoran and Nick Schafer speak to the media before making their first appearance at the Abbotsford courthouse. (Ben Lypka/Abbotsford News)
Supporters of the defendants gathered outside the courtroom in Abbotsford on Monday June 27. (Ben Lypka/Abbotsford News)
Supporters gather outside the courtroom in Abbotsford. (Ben Lypka/Abbotsford News)
