Understanding the law and what to do if faced by activists on-farm is vital for pig farmers after warnings of a 鈥榮ustained campaign' by an activist group this summer.
The National Pig Association (NPA) has been approached by Animal Rising with a warning they will be 鈥榬escuing animals from farms and abattoirs', and possibly staging on-farm protests.
NPA have a noticed a 鈥榤arked escalation' in animal rights activity recently, and were concerned that these larger demonstrations and campaign groups could 鈥榠ncite individuals' to conduct their own action on smaller, local farms.
A pig farmer in the Midlands, who has chosen to remain anonymous out of fear of subsequent reaction from activists, said they were aware of the warnings and have 'prepared their staff' for any action that takes place.
"We lock all of our buildings and have good CCTV coverage to ensure that if activists are breaking locks they will be caught on camera. Some of our premises are manned overnight. We are in the process of reminding all of our staff of the threats being made by so-called animal rights organisations this summer, and we have put procedures in place as to what they should do if they are targeted by animal rights activists."
Activists have previously entered the farm without permission at night, and placed cameras to film secret footage. This was then followed up by an organised protest.
"It had a severe mental strain on us and I am aware that several of our staff had to seek counselling in the wake of the experience at the hands of activists. The NPA were particularly helpful to us at this time and I would urge pig farmers to join the NPA in advance of this summer just in case it happens to you: then the NPA will be able to help."
The farmer said if a protest group came on the farm again they would not feel confident about their rights and would be 鈥榝rightened' to address the activists personally.
"It is so important that police help law-abiding farmers in the face of law-breaking activists. 51AV视频invasions are not like street protests. Livestock can be spooked and real criminal damage can be done to the animals, even if the activists do not intend to frighten them."
The best thing was not to react, the farmer believed. Activists often wanted dramatic footage of being 鈥榙ragged off farm by police' or farmers 鈥榬eacting angrily'. They believed if the activists do not get this footage they will 鈥榤ove on'.
The farmer also added they would feel confident in reporting demonstrations to their local rural police team, and when activists were last on farm police had been 鈥榩retty good'.
"I am hopeful that they would respond to help us. The initial activism involved activists entering the farm without permission at night," they said.
"One of our staff found out about the protest in advance via social media and we notified the police. The police gave good advice on the upcoming protest and attended on the day such that the protest did not cause too much difficulty."
NPA have sent guidance on what to do if faced with activists.
Advice for farmers
- Do not engage with activists if at all possible
- Be aware that the activists are probably live streaming the event on social media
- Contact your local police force immediately and provide as much detail as possible
- If activists are preventing you from conducting your lawful business, i.e. feeding animals, this is considered to be aggravated trespass
- Activists may try to negotiate the liberation of an animal in return for removing themselves from your farm. Although this may seem an attractive proposition, we would always advise against agreeing to this
Reducing the risk
- Ensure buildings are locked and personal information secured听
- Make sure CCTV and fencing is working
- Ensure employees are all briefed and know what to do in any situation involving activists
- Liaison with local police is key; they need to know who and where you are
- If police do attend, be clear about what is public and private property, and try to agree an open reference number
