Warwick Township's fight to protect farm families, employees and animals is being embraced by other Ontario communities.
Mayor Jackie Rombouts said there's been a steady increase recently in harassment of farmers and livestock transporters by activists opposed to animal agriculture and consumption.
So, the municipality has asked Attorney General David Downey to work with his fellow MPPs and agricultural leaders to find a better way to ensure stronger enforcement of existing laws or that new legislation be created.
"The biggest thing that Warwick wanted to do is show farmers that municipalities are supporting them in what they're doing, that we understand that they're doing everything they can to produce good, safe, healthy food for the masses of everybody who lives in Ontario," said Rombouts. "When all they're hearing is negative from one side, it can be very downing and very discouraging. So, we really wanted to show our support to what they do, because they feed us. Less than two per cent of the population feeds us. So, we really need to support those people, because we can't live without food."
Rombouts said she understands and respects freedom of speech within the law, adding it's not okay to trespass on private property and unlawfully enter buildings and remove animals without fear of prosecution.
"Farmers shouldn't be up at night worried if someone is coming into their barn and hurting their animals -- because that's what's happening," she said.
The County of Lambton, Chatham-Kent and South Huron are among the municipalities that have endorsed Warwick's resolution.
