The Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) has renewed calls for governments and law enforcement to increase and effectively implement punishments for animal activists trespassing on farmers’ properties.
For the second successive weekend, Queensland’s intensive animal farmers are having to prepare for a coordinated, animal activist rampage knowing they cannot rely on meaningful support from governments or the police.
QFF President Stuart Armitage said Queensland farmers adhered to world leading animal welfare standards and condemned animal activists for their radical and unjustified actions which invade farmers’ privacy, threaten the welfare of their animals, pose unacceptable risks to their businesses and have implications for food security.
“For many farmers, their property is their business, their workplace and their family home. As the frequency of these incidents increase, farmers are unable to operate their businesses and go about their lives for fear of being the next animal activist target,” Mr Armitage said.
Mr Armitage said QFF and member industries had been constructively working with the Queensland Government for a long time to better address these issues, but progress on an effective response package had been too slow. And the lack of action and protection by Queensland Police was also very disappointing.
“Governments at all levels and law enforcement must take a harder stand against the actions of animal activists and ensure that the legal protections and punishments are reflective of the danger they pose,” Mr Armitage said.
“If this level of unacceptable law-breaking behaviour was occurring in Brisbane there is no doubt we would be seeing more urgency and response.”
“Meaningful and effective action is needed to ensure farmers receive the fundamental protections of a civil society and they can continue feeding, clothing and growing amenity for the world.”