The Animal Justice Party NSW expressed its disapproval of the Criminal Code Amendment (Agricultural Protection) Bill 2019 today, stating that it was a bandaid response to underlying community concerns regarding animal abuse and cruelty.

“This bill will not address community’s genuine concerns about the treatment of animals who are hidden away from public view in farms, slaughterhouses and on feedlots,” said Animal Justice Party MP Mark Pearson.

“The only successful way to address farm trespass is to make it redundant.

“Mandatory CCTV cameras placed at critical points of animal welfare, recording the treatment of animals and routinely viewed and audited by an independent body would negate the need for activists to trespass to make their own recordings.

“The Morrison Government should be working to ensure transparency and accountability in the agriculture industry, not targeting distressed community members who concerned for the welfare of our animals,” said Mr Pearson.

The Animal Justice Party NSW is especially critical of the Morrison Government’s position given their history of failing to act on improving animal welfare – especially live export – and enforcing the relevant legislation.

“We know there is growing anxiety in our communities about animal cruelty in the animal agribusiness industry,” said Animal Justice Party MP Emma Hurst.

“There is no protection for these animals outside of laws which the community recognises are failing.

“The huge majority of Australians want action to protect our animals. Here in New South Wales public pressure has already succeeded in starting an inquiry into the use of battery cages for hens in the egg industry.

“We urge the Morrison Government to turn their focus to animal protection and transparency in animal agribusiness industries,” said Ms Hurst.

MEDIA CONTACT: ROSINA RAYNS, 0401 991 792

11th JULY, 2019