Last year’s passage of the Security of Trespass and Protecting Food Safety Act granted special protection to many Ontario livestock producers, but as attendees at the recent 2021 London Farm Show were reminded, it’s nothing new for farmland to be singled out under the law. Nonetheless, several provisions of the new law, Bill 156, are […] Read more
Tag Archives animal activism
Bill 156 sees court challenge from animal activist groups
Special farmland provisions not new in law
Targeted farmers need to recognize they’re victims
Dairy symposium panel discusses how to manage unauthorized visitors
As difficult or unnatural a feeling as it may be for some, a willingness by farmers to be recognized as victims is essential in the struggle to discourage the unlawful entry onto farms by animal rights activists in Ontario. “It may be a bumpy road to go through this process as a victim,” said Ottawa-based […] Read more
Industry supports bill to regulate barn invasions
The federal private members bill increases fines for trespass that threatens animals
Glacier FarmMedia – The growing issue of on farm protests threatening the health and safety of animals is the subject of a private member’s bill recently introduced to the House of Commons. Conservative Party of Canada agriculture critic John Barlow introduced the bill with the goal of punishing those responsible for on farm protests. Why […] Read more
The fine line between protest and provocation
The Ontario Provincial Police says it has farmers’ backs when it comes to trespassing, but the right to peaceful protest also has its place. “You have the right to peaceful protest. That’s part of our key message: We live in a country with freedom of expression,” says Sgt. Kerry Schmidt, of the OPP. However, once […] Read more
Ontario introduces farm trespass act
The legislation aims to protect farmers from trespassers and damage they might cause
Updated Dec. 2 The Ontario government introduced a bill Dec. 2 aimed at discouraging people who would interfere with livestock production and transportation. The legislation, Security From Trespass and Protecting Food Safety Act, 2019, will increase fines for trespassers, protect farmers from civil liability from people injured while trespassing, and limit the interaction protesters are […] Read more
Police have plans for activists, says officer
A liaison team has contacts with activists and organizations involved in challenging activities
An Ontario Provincial Police community relations officer says the force’s officers have the legislative tools to do their job relating to trespassers on farms. Sergeant Laura Brown told a recent meeting of the Eastern Canada Farm Writers Association that “activist activity is hot on everybody’s radar right now for good reason. It’s on ours as […] Read more
Agriculture lawyer calls for conviction of trespassing activists
Letter to attorney general decries recent dropping of charges against trespassers
Ontario agriculture lawyer Kurtis Andrews has written a letter to Ontario’s attorney general claiming that the lack of repercussions from a recent spate on animal rights activist activity in the province is “nothing short of a breakdown of law and order”. Why it matters: An increase in animal rights activists trespassing on farms has created […] Read more
Farmers fear being targeted by activist invasions
Recent incidents have prompted many to review what the regulations allow
A recent self-guided tour by animal activists on a dairy farm in southwestern Ontario and a protest outside another dairy near London have farmers reviewing their rights and possible courses of action should they find themselves the next victims of these unwanted visitors. Why it matters: Animal rights activists are illegally trespassing on farm businesses […] Read more
U.S. animal rights activists test new tactics
The U.S. legal community is closely monitoring cases involving animals
Animal activists have shifted to new tactics and more have started launching lawsuits on behalf of animals. While courts in the United States have not ruled in their favour, more cases from large, well-funded animal rights groups are being filed, said Michelle Pardo, a partner in the firm Duane Morris, which defends companies against animal […] Read more
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