A CLASH in a Coolabah paddock between farmers and alleged poachers has ignited a powderkeg debate over landowners’ rights to protect their property in the face of soaring rural crime.
The incident at Nyngan on January 24 saw father and son farmers charged with firearm and animal cruelty offences after their confrontation with a trio of alleged poachers left two dogs dead.
Police said the hunters from Orange, two aged 20 and one aged 31, were confronted by a 74-year-old man and his 42-year-old son after allegedly being caught hunting on a public road and inside the boundaries of another private property.
The hunters’ two dogs were shot and killed and a vehicle was damaged.
Both farmers face firearm charges while the 42-year-old is also accused of serious animal cruelty.
The hunters have been charged with trespass and possession of knives.
The bush telegraph was buzzing as news of the incident spread.
While some lamented the death of the two animals, most commenters on The Land’s Facebook page vented their frustration over the charges leveled at the farmers
Trish Grott: “Amazing. Call the police when someone is shooting/hunting on YOUR property, near YOUR home and the response is nothing.”
Chloe Rands: “After experiencing two break-ins within a month....damaged fencing, stolen machinery and stock it has set us right back. Farmers should have the right to protect their land and families for help is most likely hours away!”
Trespassing is a common denominator across rural crime trends.
Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research data shows between September 2013 and September 2015 stock thefts were up 30 per cent across the Western NSW electorate of Barwon alone.
There is growing frustration and even fear ... that (farmers) have no protection
- Barwon MP Kevin Humphries
In retaliation to rising crime, police have launched Operation High Ground in the Darling River Local Area Command.
Barwon MP Kevin Humphries said farmers were becoming more anxious that their property will be targeted.
“There is growing frustration and even fear among some landholders that they have no protection against illegal trespassing and poaching,” Mr Humphries said.
However, he urged residents to refrain from taking the law into their own hands, and instead trust in plans that could give police extra on-the-spot powers .
“(This) is why we need to give police the additional powers they need to curb this issue.”
