Farmers detail fears to Victorian inquiry into animal activism impact

Farmers describe their fear, concern and love for animals in submissions to a Victorian inquiry into the impact of animal activism on agriculture.

At least 30 public submissions have been made to the Victorian inquiry from both farmers and activists, with the Victorian Farmers Federation urging those from the industry to make a submission before it closes on August 2. Picture: Generic

FARMERS have described being both “fearful” and “deeply concerned” for the safety of their families, workers and animals in submissions to a Victorian inquiry looking into the impact of animal activism.

The inquiry is evaluating the effectiveness of the state’s laws protecting farmers from animal activist invasions.

In a submission to the inquiry, Brendan Rea, a dairy farmer at Allansford, said his “employees (were) fearful and worried about the consequences that the unlawful activities of the animal activists may have on their safety and security”.

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Bill Baxter, who still farms on the northern Victoria property his grandfather established in 1905, explained the extent farmers go to to look after their animals.

“They do it out of genuine compassion for their animals more than any financial reason,” he wrote.

At least 30 public submissions have been made from both farmers and activists, with the Victorian Farmers Federation urging those from the industry to make a submission before it closes on August 2.

“Every farmer, every livestock transporter, every saleyard operator, every abattoir owner and every consumer that supports farmers can and should contribute to this inquiry,” VFF president David Jochinke said.

Meanwhile, NSW this week announced it would introduce on-the-spot fines for animal activists who illegally enter farms from August 1.

The state’s Biosecurity Act will be amended to include a new offence that will see trespassers, who pose a biosecurity risk, fined $1000 on the spot and subject to further fines of up to $220,000.