New amendments to legislation announced by Agriculture and Resource Development Minister Ralph Eichler and Justice Minister Cameron Friesen are now in effect. They look to create new restrictions and offences in relation to trespassing on private property.
Eichler says these amendments to the legislation have been in the works for a while now and is worried for the safety of people transporting animals. He recalls seeing some people interact with the animals on trucks carrying livestock.
"You've probably seen a number of protesters handing water through holes in the trucks to water livestock, and who knows what (disease) they're giving them," notes Eichler. "That animal could then return to a farm, as there are lots of animals that get moved from place to place. The last thing we want is a disease travelling with them."
He says he's very happy for the trucking industry, as this will lead to safer travels for those with livestock, as well as hopefully decrease the number of people looking to obstruct these vehicles. Eichler adds he's seen an increase of trespassing that should hopefully trend in the other direction now that these amendments are in place.
"People have to have permission to go onto someone's property, and that's really important," explains Eichler. "Security is really important, and a lot of people think because they're a farm family that they can come on their property and do whatever they want, but now it's illegal."
Eichler adds, in closing, he'd like to see everyone be respectful toward farmers as they're wrapping up their harvest season following a tough year.
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