We need that footage

THE Criminal Code Amendment (Agricultural Protection) Bill has passed parliament. Known as Ag-gag, these laws are intended to criminalise those who enter abattoirs, factory farms and other animal enterprises to collect undercover footage. It is because of whistleblowers and animal activists that the public are aware of what happens behind closed doors. The disruption of Melbourne streets in April caused by vegan activists was to encourage people to watch the film Dominion. There were 55,000 views in 48 hours, proving the public want to see how animals live.

When the public are aware, they can bring about consumer pressure. Without

SES calm amid the storm

IN a world seemingly filled with gloom and doom and a fair share of self-centred people, it’s comforting to know that there are still gems out there, like the lassies and lad of the SES crew who came to our aid to deal with a wee bit of wind damage.

Despite being at the end of a long shift and working in pretty ordinary conditions they were very good-humoured and a privilege to meet. Keep up the great work peeps — it’s much appreciated. I did tell the neighbours you rescued my labrador from the roof.

Standing up for dogs

I OWN a greyhound adopted two years ago from Hobart Dogs’ Home and over the years have adopted two other dogs from them. I support Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania and am very supportive of government funding for them and Brightside Farm Sanctuary. I also support every effort to resolve the difficulties regarding greyhound adoption (“Greyhound decline,” Letters, September 13).

As a resident of Richmond and a dog walker I too was surprised to find the reduction of the off-lead dog exercise area adjacent to the Coal River (“Sad loss of dog area,” Letters, September 13). I am unaware of any community consultation or advice from Clarence City Council.