Animal liberation organisations have become more active in recent times and there is credible information to suggest some of these groups are planning a day of action for Monday, 8 April.
At this stage the activity seems to be concentrated on farms on the east coast, particularly Queensland and Victoria.
SAPOL has advised there is no specific intelligence suggesting any similar activity in South Australia. Nevertheless, Livestock SA advises its members to remain alert and vigilant should there be any activity targeting their farm.
Producers who do not have a biosecurity sign on their fence are urged to put one up. These signs have been available at the One Biosecurity workshops and Livestock SA has some of these signs available.
The number of the local police station should be readily available should a trespassing event occur. Producers should keep an eye out for suspicious conduct during the next three days. If any suspicious activity does occur, details should be recorded, particularly any vehicle registration numbers.
Producers who do have concerns should contact Livestock SA or their local police station.
Producers whose farms are invaded by protestors should not physically retaliate. Using force is not recommended as the chances of escalation are too high. In this event, producers should call the police.
Intruders should be told in a loud and clear voice that they are trespassing and they should leave the property immediately. Repeat the demand to leave several times. Recording this via video or audio and any responses received will be beneficial.
Use a mobile phone to video record the actions of the intruders. Repeat that they are trespassers and they are breaking the law.
Producers should not engage intruders in any conversation beyond that. There is no requirement for a formal set of words so long as it is clear to the intruders that they are being asked to leave the property and that they do not have permission to be there.
Producers are reminded that recording as much as they can on a mobile phone will be beneficial.
Livestock SA and other farming organisations are keeping a close eye on this and are in the process of developing formal protocols with SAPOL and other appropriate government departments to make sure that information which is gathered is collated and passed on in both directions.
Details: Those experiencing a trespass by any person or people should call 131444 immediately.
