10-20-2008, 12:50 PM
...small dogs, that is. Among other things.
In an attempt to upgrade the tone of this thread, I hereby submit this story of a noble Canadian farmer fighting for his rights:
Law-breaking Canadian farmer insists on maximum penalty
NEWMARKET, Ont. - An organic dairy farmer from Ontario, Canada found guilty of contempt of court for refusing to stop selling raw milk is asking for the maximum sentence.
Michael Schmidt has run a co-operative organic dairy farm near Owen Sound, Ont., for more than 20 years. York Region, north of Toronto, had accused Schmidt of selling or distributing the product, even after a court order not to do so.
The Crown said it is not seeking jail time, but Schmidt told the judge in Newmarket, Ont., to impose "the highest penalty you can find." However, York Region lawyer Dan Kuzmyk said he was reluctant to let Schmidt become a martyr and "throw himself on the sword of York Region."
The judge said the case had nothing to do with whether or not people had the right to consume raw milk - it was all about whether Schmidt defied a court order to stop selling it.
Selling raw, or unpasteurized, milk is illegal in Canada because health officials say it carries the risks of spreading salmonella, E. coli and Listeria monocytogenes. Raw milk advocates say they drink it for its flavour, organic properties and health benefits.
Following the verdict, Schmidt and about a dozen supporters gathered outside the courthouse to drink milk. It was not clear if the milk was pasteurized.
In an attempt to upgrade the tone of this thread, I hereby submit this story of a noble Canadian farmer fighting for his rights:
Law-breaking Canadian farmer insists on maximum penalty
NEWMARKET, Ont. - An organic dairy farmer from Ontario, Canada found guilty of contempt of court for refusing to stop selling raw milk is asking for the maximum sentence.
Michael Schmidt has run a co-operative organic dairy farm near Owen Sound, Ont., for more than 20 years. York Region, north of Toronto, had accused Schmidt of selling or distributing the product, even after a court order not to do so.
The Crown said it is not seeking jail time, but Schmidt told the judge in Newmarket, Ont., to impose "the highest penalty you can find." However, York Region lawyer Dan Kuzmyk said he was reluctant to let Schmidt become a martyr and "throw himself on the sword of York Region."
The judge said the case had nothing to do with whether or not people had the right to consume raw milk - it was all about whether Schmidt defied a court order to stop selling it.
Selling raw, or unpasteurized, milk is illegal in Canada because health officials say it carries the risks of spreading salmonella, E. coli and Listeria monocytogenes. Raw milk advocates say they drink it for its flavour, organic properties and health benefits.
Following the verdict, Schmidt and about a dozen supporters gathered outside the courthouse to drink milk. It was not clear if the milk was pasteurized.
Ooops, I crapped my pants