Hefty new punishment for vegan activists targeting farms in NSW

Vegan activists caused chaos when they stormed farms and abattoirs across the country, but they might think twice about it in the future.

Protesting vegans will be hit with fines of up to $220,000 per person for illegally entering farming properties from next month.

The NSW Government has created a new offence for those creating a biosecurity risk by trespassing on a farm, meaning those caught will cop an on-the-spot fine of $1000 and further fines of up to $220,000.

The new penalties, revealed by Deputy Premier John Barilaro and Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall today, will kick in from August 1.

“Vigilantes who are entering our farmers’ property illegally are nothing short of domestic terrorists — our farmers have had a gutful. They don’t deserve, nor have time, to be dealing with illegal trespass and vile harassment from a bunch of virtue-signalling thugs,” Mr Barilaro said.

Vegan groups caused chaos by holding protests across the country in April. Picture: AAP/David Clark

“The NSW Liberals and Nationals in government are putting in place the harshest penalties in the country and sending a strong warning to those who think it’s OK to illegally invade farms and harass our hardworking farmers.

“But we aren’t stopping there. We are also looking at ways we can further deter this kind of behaviour, including introducing legislation and potential jail time for offenders.”

The move comes after animal rights activists caused chaos across the country in April by storming farms and abattoirs.

Eight activists who took part in the movement were each fined between $400 and $600 after pleading guilty in Brisbane Magistrates Court to trespassing on agricultural properties.

After April’s protests, federal Agriculture Minister David Littleproud said states must beef-up trespass laws so farm invaders would face serious penalties.

Animal activist group Aussie Farms has an online map detailing where farms are. Picture: Aussie Farms

“If I broke into a suburban house in Melbourne or Sydney, I’d expect to be arrested, handcuffed and taken away. Breaking into a farm should be no different,” he said.

The protests coincided with the first anniversary of a film documentary lobbying against animal cruelty.

“The industry is telling people these animals are being killed ethically, that they are being killed humanely. The reality is … it’s the furthest thing from humane,” documentary director Chris Delforce said at the time.

In Federal Parliament, the Morrison Government will this week introduce tough new penalties for activists who incite destructive break-ins, including up to five years in prison.