STRONGER laws to protect farmers from trespassers have been welcomed by Victoria’s peak farming lobby group.
Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) Livestock Group president Ian Feldtmann welcomed the bill introduced by Western Australian Senator Chris Back.
The proposed legislation will require anyone taking visible images of action they believe to be malicious cruelty to animals to report it to the responsible authority with a minimum of delay.
“If animal activists were really serious about animal welfare, they would make it a priority to turn over evidence of cruelty to legal authorities,” Mr Feldtmann said.
“Too many times this year and in the past we have seen animal rights groups hold onto information, then release it to time in with a campaign launch.
“Farmers and the very animals they seek to protect should not be used as political pawns."
The second part of the bill will see tougher actions placed against activists who “intimidate, threaten or attack a person associated with a legally operating animal enterprise or trespasses onto or vandalises such a property.”
Mr Feldtmann said farming was a way of life and ensuring production animals were healthy and well cared for was essential for a successful farm business.
“But we need to ensure that as farmers we can live, work and continue our lives without fear or intimidation by rogue activists who simply want to end all forms of meat production.”
