Farmers seed a field in Cypress County in April 2019 -CHAT News File Photo

By Charles Lefebvre

Premier proposes harsh penalties for farm trespassers

Oct 3, 2019 | 2:18 PM

GRANUM, AB — The Alberta government plans to introduce legislation to punish illegal protesters who trespass on farms.

During a news conference Thursday morning at a farm near Granum, Premier Jason Kenney announced he has directed his government to create legislation which could result in significant fines or jail time.

“Alberta’s farmers and ranchers treat their animals well, and they have a right to run their operations without illegal harassment from militant trespassers,” Kenney said in a statement. “I’ve asked Minister Dreeshen and Minister Schweitzer to consider all options, including legislation, to protect livestock producers’ operations and their families from harassment.”

Proposed legislation includes fines up to $10,000 for a first offence and up to $25,000 for subsequent offences for individuals and up to $200,000 for organizations, and imprisonment of up to 6 months.

The province is also proposing amendments to the Animal Health Act so farmers affected by bio-security breaches can recover costs. Trespassers and protesters placing biosecurity at risk can be fined $15,000 for their first offence, then $30,000 plus imprisonment of up to one year for repeat offences.

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The province says unauthorized or improper entry on farms and in barns can introduce disease and threaten the health and welfare of animals.

In addition, the province is also considering amending the Provincial Offences Procedures Act to increase the maximum amount of compensation awarded by the court to $100,000, up from $25,000.

The proposals come after animal activists staged a protest on Labour Day at the Jumbo Valley Colony Turkey Farm near Fort MacLeod.

Approximately 60 protesters were involved, with approximately 30 of them entering the barn where the turkeys were kept, alleging inhumane treatment of the birds. The protesters were escorted off the property without being arrested.

If faced with trespassers, Albertans are encouraged to call their local RCMP detachment.

During the announcement, Justice Minister Doug Schweitzer added the province will be hiring 50 new Crown prosecutors.