Tough fines for trespassing
New legislation has been passed in the Victorian Parliament to deter trespassing on farms.
The Livestock Management Amendment (Animal Activism) Act 2021 recognises the significant biosecurity risks that breaches from animal activists can pose and will deter behaviour that puts the hard work of farmers and agricultural businesses at risk.
Anyone failing to comply will face on-the-spot fines of $1,272 for an individual and $8,178 for an organisation.
Further penalties of up to $10,904 for an individual and up to $54,522 for an organisation could apply for more serious offending.
Minister for Agriculture, Mary-Anne Thomas said that Victoria’s on-the-spot fines for animal activists who trespass on farms will be the toughest in the nation.
“Farmers and workers in the agricultural industry should be able to do their work without fear of being targeted by animal activists. This sort of activity is highly distressing for farming families and puts the biosecurity and safety of animals at risk “ she said.
Farmers wanting to better protect their animals can also implement a biosecurity management plan (BMP) which can include measures such as requiring consent before anyone can access their property. Biosecurity breaches by trespassers can put human and animal health at risk.
These new measures are in response to the Inquiry into the Impact of Animal Rights Activism on Victorian Agriculture.
The Victorian Government supported 13 of the report’s 15 recommendations in full including the creation of BMPs and subsequent penalties for those who fail to comply.
Minister Thomas said it’s important that these measures are in place to provide peace of mind for farmers at risk of trespassers.
“We are backing our hard-working farmers because they are critical to keeping food on our tables and supporting local jobs in regional and rural communities across Victoria.”
Peak industry bodies representing farmers and agribusinesses, as well as animal welfare organisations were consulted during the development of this legislative framework and will be further engaged as the regulations are finalised.
The new arrangements will come into effect later this year.
