Update on Michael Schmidt’s appeal of his contempt of court conviction (see Fraser Health Authority v. Jongerden 2013 BCSC 986): His appeal was dismissed on February 12th, 2015, by the judge. The text of the judgement is available online.
Background: Michael was convicted i 2014 by Justice Wong for helping out a Chilliwack herdshare after the agister first received a cease-and-desist order, which then became a court order to stop “distributing” raw milk, and then a contempt-of-court conviction when herdshare members continued to receive products from the animals they owned. Michael and B.C. activist Gordon Watson stepped in to help keep the milk flowing to herdshare members, and were both convicted and given a suspended sentence of 3 months imprisonment with a probationary period of 1 year. They were also ordered to pay a significant portion of the Fraser Health Authority’s court costs, estimated to be over $100,000 each.
Meanwhile, the documentary “Milk War” has been released on Youtube. Learn about the events leading up to Michael’s 2010 acquital in Ontario, before the government appealed and won in the Tetley decision.
You can also watch the “Milk War” trailer here. For recent news about Michael and reflections on his legal battles, see this this self-interview by Michael on “The Bovine.”