States must step up with trespass laws

Minister for Agriculture and Maranoa MP David Littleproud has demanded all state Governments increase trespass laws and penalties after another animal activist invasion, this time at Lemon Tree in Maranoa.

Police were called when 100 animal activists invaded a feedlot and dairy, which is listed on the Aussie Farms activist attack map.

"States must create a serious penalty for trespassing on family farms. 

“For police from surrounding towns to be called to protect farming families is a waste of resources, a broader public safety issue and an absolute disgrace.

“Animal Welfare groups have lost their social licence. They have no moral compass when they are prepared to intimidate innocent Australians and their actions taints their own cause.

"Aussie Farms can no longer pretend its map is anything but an attack map for activists, as I've been saying for months - this is the second invasion onto a property listed on their map in recent months.

"The slaps on the wrist being handed out to animal activists invading family farms is encouraging them to escalate their efforts. A real deterrent is needed before someone gets seriously hurt or killed. There are children living on these family farms.

"I again call for calm from all involved.

"Vegans eat plenty of farm produce and I respect their right to be vegan. 

"However nobody has the right to trespass onto people's family properties.

"Nobody would like to see a stranger show up at their residence where their children live and I'm genuinely worried there will be a serious incident.

"We've seen utterly ridiculous penalties handed out to trespassing and thieving animal activists in the past few months.

"Today's incident follows the $1 fine issued over the Gippy Goats invasion in Victoria, and a $200 fine to a Sunshine Coast offender who trespassed at a piggery - she received less for the third offence than she did for the second.