Wellard Rural Exports has issued a statement overnight condemning the actions of activists after a truck was set on fire at a feedlot in WA’s South West.

At the same time the words “Stop Live Export” were spray painted on a building at the feedlot, which is owned by Rural Export & Trading (WA).

Wellard Rural Exports said its own feedlot has also been subjected to sabotage on a number of occasions.

“Earlier this year activists placed the lives of the general public at severe risk, when they partially severed the brake lines and electrics between the prime mover and a grain trailer of two grain trucks that were due to deliver grain to the Fremantle wharf,” the Wellard statement said.

“The brake lines were only partially severed so we potentially could have had an 80 tonne truck and trailer moving through Fremantle on Easter Sunday with faulty brakes,” said Wellard Rural Exports CEO Fred Troncone.

“We were lucky we found the sabotaged lines when we did because they were cut in a position that was obviously designed to hide the damage from detection.

“People have a right to protest, but they don’t have a right to engage in criminal acts which puts lives at risk.”

“Police are continuing to investigate that issue. Any member of the public who might have any information related to this incident is encouraged to contact CrimeStoppers.

“In other instances appliances have had their electrical cords cut, shearing machines and wool presses have been sabotaged, graffiti has been spray painted on buildings, a feed wagon has had its hydraulic lines cut and padlocks have been superglued.”

On its Facebook page the Stop Live Exports group has denied any connection to the act and has condemned those responsible.

“A criminal and violent act of wilful damage has been carried out in the south west, and the words “STOP LIVE EXPORTS” sprayed onto a shed. 

“We publicly condemn whoever did this and deny any connection, support or encouragement.

“Whilst we will always support non-violent direct action and even civil disobedience, Stop Live Exports hope that the perpetrator of such an idiotic and dangerous act of vandalism and arson as this, is caught and punished.

“Targetting individuals for a government policy is the height of stupidity.

“You can’t stop violence with violence.”

Source: Wellard Rural Exports, Stop Live Exports