Billboards honour animal rights activist killed in Burlington

Five pro-vegan billboards have now appeared in a section of the city in honour of an animal rights activist killed during a protest in Burlington.

Installed by PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), the billboards show an image of a pig and state “Don’t go bacon my heart” while urging readers to “go vegan.”

The slogan is a take on the Elton John song Don’t go breaking my heart.

PETA organizers say the billboards are reminders of the efforts made by Regan Russell who was struck and killed by a truck during a protest at Fearmans Pork Inc. on Appleby Line in 2020.

The billboards can be seen on Brant Street, Harvester Road, Lakeshore Road and Upper Middle. All are purposely situated near Fearmans.

PETA said the billboards honour the long-time efforts of Russell to save animals as well as to serve as a reminder of the treatment of pigs and other animals used for human consumption.

“Every bit of bacon represents the suffering of an individual who felt pain and fear and didn’t want to die,” says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman.