IN an effort to deter animal activists from entering SA farms, the state government plans to introduce new aggravated farm trespass offences recommending penalties up to $10,000 or 12 months' imprisonment.
Under the new measures, farmers would also be compensated for any property damage.
The SA government is also proposing to double the penalties under the Summary Offences Act1953 for less serious offences, going from a maximum $2500 fine to $5000 where it occurs on farmland. It also intends to increase the penalties for interfering with farm gates or animals to a $2500 fine, or up to six months in jail.
"For too long we have had a soft touch on farm trespass and the biosecurity threats that come with it, especially with livestock - it has to stop," Primary Industries Minister Tim Whetstone said, when unveiling the planned penalties.
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