Farmers fed up with brazen livestock slaughter

Tasmania's peak body for farmers has voiced strong concern after a recent spate of illegal livestock butchering incidents, stating that their members are fed up with these criminal activities.

TasFarmers President, Ian Sauer expressed outrage at the situation, calling it "obscene" that armed trespassers are unlawfully destroying property, cutting fences, and entering farmland to butcher livestock.

"Tasmanian Police reported last week that thieves cut fencing to gain access to livestock from the Bass Highway at Hagley, slaughtering two bulls and stealing produce," Mr Sauer said.
"This isn't the first time something like this has happened. Earlier this year, we had instances where cattle were butchered on a farm after access was gained from a public road at midlands property. The current penalties are just not enough to deter these crimes.
"We want to see stronger penalties to discourage this activity and urge farmers and the broader community to report any suspicious behavior to the police to help put an end to these serious crimes.

"This type of trespass wouldn't be tolerated in suburbs or inner cities, and it must be strongly policed in rural areas as well," he said.
Anyone with information relating to this incident or any other rural crime can contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at crimestopperstas.com.au or on 1800 333 000.