THE State Government has introduced new laws to bring heavier penalties on trespassers on farmland, aimed at curbing animal rights activists protesting or taking actions on private properties – a move welcomed by the Victorian Farmers Federation.

The Livestock Management Amendment (Animal Activism) Act 2021 passed through the State Upper House last month and will come into effect later in the year and farmers will need to implement a biosecurity management plan in order for the on-the-spot fines to be applicable.