Local meat processor, Benalla Abattoirs, may be left to fend for itself if the Andrews Labor Government refuses to guarantee protections against extreme animal activists this Mother’s Day.
The Farm Transparency Project – formerly known as Aussie Farms – is expected to hold a second protest at the Benalla business on Sunday, this time disrupting animal arrivals by approaching delivery trucks and interfering with livestock.
The group first broke into the business last month, prompting Nationals Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland and Shadow Minister for Agriculture Emma Kealy to visit the abattoir and understand firsthand the massive operational toll these crimes were having on both business, staff and animal welfare.
Last year, The Nationals proposed increased biosecurity protections and harsher penalties for trespassing activists, something rejected by the Labor Government. Victoria’s maximum farm trespass fines are currently half the maximum in New South Wales.
“Increasing the maximum penalty would have sent a strong message to anyone considering trespassing on private property that we won’t tolerate illegal invasions of strong local businesses,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Due to these weak laws we are seeing groups like The Farm Transparency Project feel comfortable enough to repeatedly disrupt businesses with criminal behaviour.
“Benalla Abattoirs contribute a significant amount to the local community, both economically and by putting food on the table for families across the electorate.”
In Parliament, Ms Kealy recently asked the Minister for Police to guarantee safe access for delivery trucks and protections against biosecurity threats at Benalla Abattoir.
