Undercover investigations in jeopardy in Canada
- Details
- Published on Thursday, 30 March 2017 20:45
- Written by editor
Dear PAOV,
We wanted you to be the first to know: Animal Justice is going to court to fight against a dangerous lawsuit that could shut down undercover investigations that expose hidden animal abuse.
The lawsuit was filed by the Vancouver Aquarium against filmmaker Gary Charbonneau, whose recent... documentary Vancouver Aquarium Uncovered revealed the dark side of cruelly confining whales and dolphins in tiny tanks.
Even though legal experts are calling the Aquarium's copyright lawsuit an abusive attempt to silence legitimate criticism, the Aquarium won a partial victory against the film in April when a court ordered the removal of some scenes.
Videos and films about animals play an essential role in sparking the legal and political change that animals so desperately need.
From hit films like Blackfish–which led to bans on orca captivity–to secret videos shot by brave undercover investigators in factory farms, the fight against animal abuse depends on being able to expose how industries like farms, zoos, aquariums, and labs abuse animals behind closed doors.
The Vancouver Aquarium case is being appealed to the British Columbia Court of Appeal, and Animal Justice is asking to intervene so we can safeguard the ability to film and expose animal abuse.
This case could be Canada's own version of ag-gag laws–the troubling laws passed in the U.S. that criminalize filming animal abuse on farms.
The stakes are high. If the court doesn't overturn the Vancouver Aquarium's victory, this case will be a dangerous precedent. Well-funded animal use industries will be emboldened to silence undercover investigations, films, online videos, and news stories through bogus copyright lawsuits.
Please consider making a one-time donation today to help us protect animal advocacy films, photographs, and investigations in Canada.
We'll keep you posted on our next steps.
Thank you for all you do,
Camille Labchuk
Executive Director
Animal Justice leads the legal fight for animal protection in Canada. Our lawyers work to pass strong new animal protection laws, push to prosecute animal abusers, and fight on behalf of animals in court.Visit www.animaljustice.ca to learn more. 5700-100 King Street West
Toronto, Ontario
M5X 1C7 r25
