STAUNCH opponents of animal agriculture might not make up a large portion of the general population, but I'm starting to think it's only a matter of time before their ability to drown out farmers in the debate has serious consequences for our livestock sector.
I became rather concerned about the future after reading feedback posted on the YourSAy website about the state government's proposed new trespass penalties.
Of the 61 comments posted, I could count just 10 that were either supportive of or neutral about livestock production, or appeared to be written by farmers. The other 51 were alarmingly critical of agriculture and vehemently opposed to animal husbandry.
Farmers were "evil" and needed to be "exposed", while activists were "heroes" and "important in a democracy".
Related reading: SA proposes tougher stance for farm invaders
Many seemed to think penalties should be relaxed or removed - with any fines "affordable to the people concerned". Increase penalties and we'd "become a country ruled by organised crime", one comment said.
Some believed cameras should be installed on farms, while unscheduled farm inspections by 'animal advocates' were the only way of stopping "violent" farmers from covering up their horrendous acts.
Would these people turn up at a hospital unannounced and with no credentials and expect to be given a tour of the operating theatres mid-surgery? Or expect to be shown through the bank vault when visiting their local branch? Why is agriculture different?
Biosecurity was deemed unimportant - labelled a "pseudo claim used to hide behind".
One remark that stuck with me was an argument that the suffering caused by child abuse was 'insignificant' when compared with the suffering of animals.
This is what the livestock sector is up against.
Related reading: Farmers push for protection against trespassers
What worries me is that the decision-makers within the government will come to the conclusion that these views represent those of the broader community.
Perhaps farmers are ambivalent about the need for stronger trespass penalties. Or perhaps they assume that once something is proposed, it'll definitely become reality regardless of the feedback received.
If you care about this issue, I'd recommend visiting the YourSAy website and reading the feedback, or perhaps even posting a comment of your own.
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