A woman who fed dehydrated pigs in a truck on their way to a Canadian slaughterhouse now faces the threat of up to 10 years in jail.

Anita Kranjc, 48, has been charged with “criminal mischief” for spraying “an unknown liquid into the trailer where the hogs were situated”, according to Canadian media reports. She could also be fined up to $5,000 (£3,300).

Ms Kranjc is a co-founder of animal rights group Toronto Pig Save, whose members routinely wait at traffic lights for pig trucks en route to the slaughterhouse in hopes of giving the animals water or food.

She told local newspaper Inside Toronto: “It was really shocking when I got the summons. I couldn’t believe I was being charged for giving water to thirsty pigs. My defence is that I was being a good Samaritan.

“If I face a fine, I’d rather just do the time in jail.”

Animal rights activist Anita Kranjc and her lawyer Gary Grill (Facebook)

In the incident in question from 22 June this year, Ms Kranjc says she was squirting water from a bottle between slats in the truck to give thirsty pigs respite from the heat when the truck driver confronted her.

In a video filmed by a fellow activist, the truck driver can be heard warning her not to give the pigs any more water. “You do it again and I’ll slap it out of your hands,” he purportedly said.

Campaigners warn against rise of the 'mega-farms': Could massive pig, fish and dairy units harm the environment? Show all 2 1 /2 Campaigners warn against rise of the 'mega-farms': Could massive pig, fish and dairy units harm the environment? Campaigners warn against rise of the 'mega-farms': Could massive pig, fish and dairy units harm the environment? pigs-gt.jpg A 25,000-capacity pig farm has been planned in Derbyshire Getty Images Campaigners warn against rise of the 'mega-farms': Could massive pig, fish and dairy units harm the environment? 08-megafarms-AFox.jpg Big pig farm: People in Foston in Derbyshire are angry at plans for a unit housing 25,000 animals Andrew Fox

“Go ahead, if you want an assault charge, go ahead,” says Ms Kranjc. The driver gets back into the truck and drives away.

Under Canadian law, pigs are considered property and can be transported for up to 36 hours without food or water, according to the Factory Farming Awareness Coalition.

A day after the incident, Eric Van Boekel, a pork farmer who owned the pigs being transported, filed a complaint with the police.

He told the Canadian Press: “I have no problem with them protesting; just leave my stuff alone.

“If you’re driving down the road and you have your window down and you come to an intersection and I feel you need some water or a drink, how would you feel if I stick my hands in your personal space?”