John Barlow has introduced a bill in the
House of Commons to amend the Health of Animals Act to protect farmers from
trespassers.
It is clearly aimed at animal rights activists
who have occupied some farms as part of their protest demonstrations.
Ontario has already enacted legislation to
address the same concerns.
Barlow’s
bill increases the penalties for groups and organizations that encourage
trespass, or encourage individuals to threaten the health of workers and
animals on farm facilities.
Barlow stresses that the bill does not
hinder an individual’s right to peacefully protest on public property. He hopes
that the bill will shore up farm biosecurity and strengthen Canada’s food
supply.
Barlow is the Conservative MP for Foothills
riding in Alberta.
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