Calls for a Ten-Fold Increase in Penalties to Curb Illegal Hunting in NSW

By Michael Gibson | 25 July 2016

The NSW Government is being urged to back proposed legislation to crackdown on illegal hunting and introduce a ten-fold increase in penalties.

The justice department has been presented a report, outlining plans to introduce a law called Aggravated Trespass.

The new law makes it illegal for people to enter private properties without permission. Anyone caught breaking this new law would face fines of more than $5,000.

Kevin Humphries from the National party stated in an interview:

“he would also like to see this also apply to public land”

"Certainly one of the issues that people want to see addressed is roadside hunting whether that be shooting or using dogs," Mr Humphries said.

The word will soon get around that those people just aren't welcome

A group of 11 western councils support the increase in harsher penalties for illegal hunters.

Leigh Byron president of the Western Division of Councils said.

“illegal hunters should have vehicles and equipment confiscated. The feeling was that if we could go and do what the fisheries people can do, like if you're doing illegal fishing you can lose your boat and your car and your whole camp"

The issue has also been raised at the New South Wales Farmers conference in Sydney this week, with members passing a motion calling on the government to introduce a minimum mandatory fine of $5,500 for trespass.