In recent years, Northern Ireland farms have experienced several incidents involving activist incursions and trespass, often by individuals or groups seeking to disrupt normal farming operations and broadcast misleading content about farm operations online. These events cause great distress and concern for farmers, and raise issues of biosecurity, safety and damage to reputation.
Following successful prosecutions in recent years, reports of these incidents have decreased, but the Ulster Farmers’ Union continue to urge members to remain alert to threats of this nature and be prepared. In recent weeks, there has been increased social media activity surrounding plans for coordinated farm incursion across the UK.
Preparation
Experience has shown that activist groups often plan incursions well in advance and they may spend week or months observing potential targets, sometimes visiting under false pretences or placing hidden cameras on farms. Others may monitor social media activity to identify sites that they believe could be vulnerable.
Site security should be reviewed regularly. To ensure the highest level of security against incursions, all buildings and gates ought to be locked with keys removed at night and boundaries checked regularly to ensure fencing and lighting are adequate. Where possible, consider installing CCTV systems to cover key areas such as yards, entrances and livestock housing. Further, clear signage indicating that property is private and access is unauthorised will assist police in the timely removal of any trespassers.
Farmers should pay particular attention to the management of livestock and fallen stock. Sick or injured animals should be kept in clean and well-bedded pens to prevent any misrepresentation of their condition in photographs or video footage. Deceased animals should be moved promptly to a locked bin or building until collection and marked with spray paint on both sides before storage. Marking prevents activists from retrieving fallen stock and presenting it as if it had been left unattended for long periods – a tactic we know has been frequently used by activists in the past.
If a drone is flying over the farm, do not approach or interfere with it. Record the time, location and if possible, photograph the device and its operator. Report the incident to the PSNI using 101 or 999 if there is an immediate danger to people or livestock. Interfering with or damaging a drone could itself constitute an offence.
Members should act cautiously online. Avoid posting photographs or any details that identify your location, livestock or layout. Do not engage directly with activists on social media, but remain factual, calm and polite in all posts. Save screenshots of any harassment or false allegations, as these posts are often deleted later. If you are contacted by the media regarding alleged welfare issues, do not comment immediately and seek advice from your processor, assurance body or the UFU.
The UFU also urges farmers to ensure that their farms comply fully with all legal and assurance-scheme standards – compliance is the first line of protection.
At all times, farm families should remain alert to any unusual activity around their premises, such as unknown vehicles, unexpected visits and to share any concerns with neighbours and your local UFU group. Farmers should be alert to false or suspicious job applications, particularly from individuals seeking work experience, so always request references and verify details.
If an incursion occurs
If an intruder or activists enter a farm, the UFU’s guidance is clear. We urge members to remain calm, act professionally and avoid confrontation. Farmers should also ask those involved to leave in a polite or firm manner. Activists often livestream their actions, so any interaction may be broadcast to hundreds or thousands of issues through social media instantly and can be taken out of context. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) should be contacted immediately, even if the trespassers have already left the premises so the incident can be properly recorded. Remember that farmers are also entitled to record footage on their own property for evidential purposes.
We advise that members gather as much evidence as they can, by photographing or recording car registrations, faces, any visible damage or hidden equipment. All material collected may later assist in any investigations or prosecutions down the line. Members are advised not to speak to or permit access to the press during or after the incursion, as any publicity often serves the objections of the activists rather than the farmer. Intruders must not be allowed to take livestock from the property, as they have attempted on multiple occasions, as the removal of animals without consent constitutes theft and should also be reported to the police.
Farmers should never put themselves or others at risk when dealing with intruders. The use of reasonable force is permitted under law only to protect people or property, but any action must be proportionate and justified. The UFU advises members to prioritise personal safety and allow the PSNI to handle removal of trespassers wherever possible.
Once the immediate situation is under control, members should notify the UFU, their processor and their assurance scheme. These organisations can offer various aspects of support. It is also prudent to thoroughly check your premises for any hidden cameras or devices that have been left behind.
Legal considerations
Usually, trespass is generally treated as a civil matter, meaning a person has entered land without permission. However, where entry has been forced, i.e. through breaking a barrier such as a lock, gate, fence or window, other damage to property has occurred or where individuals obstruct normal farm operations, the offence may escalate to aggravated trespass, which is criminal offence. In these cases, police officers have the authority to order intruders to leave the property and any refusal to comply with this order or a return to the property can result in prosecution.
The UFU continues to work with the PSNI, the Department of Justice and other stakeholders to strengthen the protection available to farmers under the law.
Conclusion
Farm incursions remain fairly rare, but they are highly unsettling for farm families when they do occur. The best defence is thorough preparation, good management and a calm response if it occurs. Members are encouraged to maintain their premises to a high standard, act professionally in all interactions despite the obvious emotion and report all suspicious or unlawful activity without delay.
Always call 999 if there is a threat to life or an emergency.
