Parliamentary inquiry into animal activists comes to Wangaratta

Former MP and long time farmer Bill Baxter said the "sudden outbreak of lawless behaviour" is concerning for his family's farm.

He is speaking at the final public hearing for the parliamentary inquiry into the impact of animal rights activism on Victorian agriculture which will be held in Wangaratta on Tuesday.

The Legislative Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee will hear from cattle, pig and wool producers, a local government representative as well as an animal welfare advocate who is speaking out about "tactics" used by some activists.

"We are deeply concerned with the relatively recent and sudden outbreak of lawless behaviour by persons claiming to be acting in the best interest of animal welfare," Mr Baxter said in his submission.

"Sadly, their actions betray a misunderstanding of animal behaviour, animal welfare, farmers care and concern for their livestock, biosecurity considerations, family privacy and respect for the law."

Mr Baxter's family farm, which is now run by the fourth-generation, produces wool, meat, cereal grains, oil seeds, pulses, hay and straw and he said there is "fear" the property could be "invaded at any time".

"It is self evident that most farm workplaces are also the places of residence for families often with young children," he said.

IN OTHER NEWS:

"The fear that the property could be invaded at any time but most likely in the dead of night or early morning by large numbers of uninvited persons with little or no understanding of animal behaviour or the laws of trespass is imposing great strain and stress on many farming families."

Euroa farmer and animal welfare advocate Nicola Fanning will be the point of difference at the hearing, speaking from experiences when she has "trespassed in attempt to assist animals".

"I think I know the current trespass laws reasonably well, and if told by an owner to leave I most certainly would," she said in her submission.

"But if animals continued to suffer and die I would also most certainly be prepared to once again enter without permission.

"Should I be charged? Should I be punished? If the animal welfare reporting process worked quickly and effectively I would not have to put myself in these type of situations."

There were 491 submissions from across the state with hearings in Warragul, Bairnsdale, Melbourne, Warrnambool and Horsham before Wangaratta.

All submissions are available on the committee's website.

The hearing will be from 10am to 2pm at the Quality Hotel, Wangaratta Gateway. The public is welcome to attend.