Ontario bill to protect farmers and processing plants from animal rights activists

TORONTO — New legislation introduced Monday in Ontario would create so-called “animal protection zones” with increased fines for trespassing — a move applauded by farmers but roundly criticized by the animal rights activists who say it targets them.

Agriculture Minister Ernie Hardeman said the bill — dubbed the Security from Trespass and Animal Safety Act — would hike fines for trespassing on farms and food-processing facilities and make it illegal to obstruct trucks carrying farm animals.

Under the legislation, fines for trespassing would be set at a maximum of $15,000 for a first offence and up to $25,000 for subsequent offences, compared to current maximum trespassing fines of $10,000.

The bill would also allow a court to order restitution for any injury, loss or damage caused as a result of an offence.

The proposed law would also increase protection for farmers against civil liability from people who are hurt while trespassing on their property.

Ontario Federation of Agriculture spokesperson Keith Currie said the farming community has been dealing with aggressive protests for years, and action was needed.

“As farmers, we respect the right of people to protest,” he said. “However, when it encroaches on private property, endangering the safety of families, (and) farmers, ... something needs to be done.”

The executive director of animal protection group Animal Justice, however, said the legislation is “utterly chilling” and would restrict free speech.

Camille Labchuk said the bill would also make it illegal to gain access to a farm or processing plant under “false pretences.” That would mean animal rights groups could not expose cases of abuse by using whistleblowers.

Last week, Alberta introduced similar legislation, proposing to increase trespassing fines.