Moving to Beef up Rustling Laws

New Zealand First wants tougher laws on cattle rustling as costs to farmers soar to over $120 million a year.

“Rustling is a crime that affects the backbone of this country - our farmers - who are often miles away from support,” says New Zealand First’s Primary Industries spokesperson Richard Prosser.

“Farmers’ livelihoods and our economy are the losers.

“We are drafting amendments to crime and sentencing laws to bring in stronger penalties and mandatory confiscation of vehicles and equipment.

“New Zealand First believes in getting tough on crime, but the National government has run down rural policing.

“Strong penalties will move the cost of rustling on to the perpetrators rather than the victims, and in tandem with graduated sentencing, will provide some real deterrence.

“Whilst farmers are generally impressed with police, the lack of appropriate laws means that rustlers are slapped with the wettest of wet bus tickets in court.

“It’s just plain common sense to support our farmers and rural communities,” says Mr Prosser.

ENDS

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