Emma Kealy – Pig Welfare Inquiry reveals severe stress on producers
Thursday 14 March 2024
The Pig Welfare Inquiry has uncovered harrowing detail on the stresses placed on producers who fall victim of animal extremists illegally entering businesses and homes.
Producers have hit back at extremists who want the pig industry phased out, stating they are committed to animal welfare standards which exceed the industry code.
The Australian Meat Industry Council and pork producers said video content screened recently was illegally obtained and not reflective of industry standards.
The personal toll of extremists illegally entering properties and then filming was laid bare in the two-day inquiry.
Evidence included examples of producers contemplating suicide, producers on medication for anxiety and producers fearful of speaking out due to the threat of raids and retribution.
Whilst we condemn animal cruelty in the strongest possible terms, trespassing extremists should be hit with the full force of the law.
The Liberals and Nationals have urged the judicial system to use the penalties that have passed the parliament to actively deter illegal trespassers and protect law-abiding producers.
Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Emma Kealy, said more enough is enough and it is time the Allan Labor Government stood up for farming families who feed our state.
“Animal trespass laws aren’t being applied by the justice system so are simply not working to deter animal extremists from breaking the law and terrorising law-abiding producers,” Ms Kealy said.
“It is deeply distressing to hear evidence that ongoing illegal activity by animal extremists is leading to depression and suicidal ideation in our producers. This is completely unacceptable and must be stopped.
“It’s time the Allan Labor Government stood up for our law-abiding producers and immediately stop doing deals with these animal extremist bullies for votes.