Farm laws rile growers
Some producers are angry at the WA Government's new legislation to crack down on farm trespassers.
WA’s new bill would see those who trespass onto abattoirs, knackeries or other agricultural production properties face up to two years in jail or a $24,000 fine.
The laws were promised 12 months ago in response to campaigners trespassing to gather evidence of animal mistreatment.
The Government's proposal laws also increase the powers of animal welfare inspectors to enter properties without a warrant or prior consent.
“The public has got a really red hot interest in making sure these animals in these confinements are treated humanely,” Attorney-General John Quigley said.
Mr Quigley said the laws “strike a balance” between protecting agricultural producers and ensuring sufficient oversight of the sector.
“Most Western Australians would consider themselves animal lovers and do not want to see animals being mistreated,” he said.
The state’s major farm lobby, the Pastoralists and Graziers Association (PGA), say the laws go too far.
“These people have a right of entry at any time and without a warrant,” PGA president Tony Seabrook said.
“That is a greater power than the police have and they are nowhere near as qualified as police might be.”
WA Nationals leader Mia Davies said the Government should not have added welfare inspector changes to a farm trespassing bill.
“They have taken a relatively straightforward task and made it overly complicated,” she said.
“I think they have let down the sector that has desperately been crying out for protections from this Government.”