Actor Joaquin Phoenix attends Burlington vigil for Regan Russell

Actor Joaquin Phoenix paid tribute to animal rights activist Regan Russell while at a Toronto Pig Save vigil in Burlington on Friday.

Russell, 65, was struck and killed by a truck bringing pigs into the Sofina Foods facility at Harvester Rd. and Appleby Line in June.

She was outside the plant with a group protesting Bill 156 and giving water to pigs being taken into the facility.

Bill 156 increases fines for people caught trespassing on farms and prohibits interfering with animals.

Critics say it will increase secrecy on farms and put an end to animal activism.

The truck driver was charged with careless driving the following month.

“Regan Russell spent the final moments of her life providing comfort to pigs who had never experienced the touch of a kind hand,” said Phoenix in a statement following Russell’s death.

“While her tragic death has brought upon deep sorrow in the Animal Save community, we will honor her memory by vigorously confronting the cruelties she fought so hard to prevent by marching with Black Lives, protecting Indigenous rights, fighting for LGBTQ equality and living a compassionate vegan life.”

On Friday, he joined a group of activist at a vigil for Russell and to watch as the pigs arrived at the slaughterhouse.