The Livestock, Bulk and Rural Carriers Association (LBRCA) and the Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association (ALRTA) have responded to extensive damage to livestock vehicles caused by activists.
The livestock industry – valued at $80 billion and employing nearly 500,000 people – is critical to Australia’s economy, responsible for transporting more than 40 million head of livestock across the country.
Attacks to this industry, according to LBRCA, pose a serious risk to the security of the food supply chain.
Professional livestock carriers in regional New South Wales have specifically been the victims of property damages, some reportedly disguised as acts of activism, and has often left these carriers concerned for both their livelihoods and well-being.
One such livestock carrier, located in the Southern Riverina of New South Wales, is bearing the financial and emotional toll caused by an attack on 11 March, which is under police investigation.
“As an owner/operator, I depend on my equipment to earn a living,” the operator said.
“The damage was extensive and included derogatory comments spray-painted along the length of the vehicle, large holes ripped through 15 tyres, and significant damage to air lines and electrical cables. I’m looking at a repair cost of around $10-15,000.”
An emblem sporting the Animal Liberation Front (ALF), spray-painted on the front of the trailer, suggests that the damage may have been carried out by members of the group, which has claimed responsibility for acts of arson and vandalism on businesses in the past.
These acts of protest have been chastised by ALRTA President, Gerard Johnson.
“While peaceful activism is a cornerstone of democratic societies, illegal activities that harm small businesspeople and their property are completely unacceptable,” he said.
“These actions are not only unlawful but deeply harmful to the livelihoods and emotional well-being of those affected. Hard working rural Australians need to be protected from such groups.”
Operators affected by these attacks are placed under significant financial strain, as damaged vehicles are usually assessed as not roadworthy and leave the businesses without the capabilities to transport livestock, affecting local economies and communities.
An additional issue these operators face from damages caused by illegal activism is the response some insurance providers have, raising premiums that may need to be paid entirely out-of-pocket.
LBRCA President, Wade Lewis, further criticised the attacks, citing their unintended impacts on animal welfare as a consequence in addition to impacts on operators.
“Illegal activism, particularly when it involves malicious activities such as property damage or disruption to the humane transport of animals, represents a direct violation of individual rights and public order, and can impede – not assure – the welfare of animals,” he said.
“It is essential to protect livestock carriers and ensure the rule of law.”
The LBRCA and ALRTA are committed to combating illegal animal activism, particularly incidents involving intentional acts of malicious damage to livestock carrier vehicles.
In other news, the Victorian Government has released its Western Victoria Grain Industry Supply Chain Study final report.
