Michael Schmidt, Canadian farmer and longtime raw milk activist, received a sentence of one year probation and a fine of $9,150 from Ontario Judge Peter Tetley during formal sentencing today.
The sentence follows a September 2011 ruling which convicted Michael on 13 of 19 charges and reversed a lower court’s decision to acquit him and that he did indeed have a legal right to provide cowshare owners with raw milk.
There has been an avalanche of public requests for leniency to Judge Tetley in recent days with hundreds of emails and faxes to his office. The flood of support was so large that a post on this blog requesting such supportive emails, faxes, and letters was taken down to spare Judge Tetley’s secretary any further difficulties.
Judge Tetley acknowledged that the public support which packed the courtroom was a testament to his character.
“(Mr. Schmidt) is a man of principle,” Tetley told the court. “He’s willing to fight for his principles. There’s a lot to admire about Mr. Schmidt.”
Schmidt’s lawyer says she plans to appeal the sentence.
Michael’s next hurdle is a contempt of court charge on December 5, 2011 in Vancouver with regard to a British Columbia cow share operation.
* Michael’s legal defense fund could use your support. Please click here to donate to this worthwhile cause.
Sarah, The Healthy Home Economist
Source: Raw Milk Farmer Fined, Placed on Probation, Montreal Gazette
We here in Canada have the privilege of being the ONLY country in the G8 to ban raw milk entirely! BUT our queen drinks the stuff.
I will stay on top of this and continue to keep all of you informed. This is a big story for all of us who support the freedom and right to choose healthy and unadulterated foods from the farm.
Thank you HHE for posting the continuation of this story.
That is SOO much money. I hope his lawyer can make a successful appeal!
The world is mad. So many problems in this world and they choose to spend their money and time persecuting this man.
Agreed. It’s a shame where the world’s priorities lie …
This really makes me mad.
boooooo! dislike
To me, this is a greater issue than just having the freedom of eating correctly (despite what others think). This is about the freedom of managing your own property as you wish, being the legal owner.
Those people that bought the cow share should likewise be capable of doing whatever they wish with their financed assets. Wall Street seems to be allowed to do this and turn the globe on it’s proverbial head. But Bill next door cannot do it for raw milk?
i am embarrassed for canada
Raw Milk Activist Michael Schmidt Sentenced to Probation/Fine – The Healthy Home Economist http://t.co/Xc60dP92