# Vegan activist sentenced for trespassing on Queensland farms 'not sorry'
Source URL: 	https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-09-01/vegan-activist-sentenced-for-trespassing-on-queensland-farms/12617502
Date: 		20200901T0554

A vegan activist sentenced for trespassing on two Darling Downs
properties said she was "not sorry" and "unjust laws need to be broken".

## Key points:

  * A 22-year-old vegan activist sentenced for trespassing says she "would do it again"
  * Hayley Adams has trespassed on three other occasions, but this is the first time she has had a conviction recorded
  * Magistrate Kay Ryan said there "had to be a penalty" due to Ms Adams' "continued pattern of behaviour"

Hayley Marie Adams, 22, was today convicted after pleading guilty in the
Toowoomba Magistrates Court to trespass offences.

She was ordered to complete 50 hours of community service.

The offences related to her entering large-scale piggery Cameron
Pastoral, at Pittsworth, and Canningvale poultry farm Williams Eggs in
2018 and 2019.

The court heard she disregarded clearly signed biosecurity procedures
and handled piglets and laying hens.

Ms Adams cried as she was sentenced by Magistrate Kay Ryan, who said
there "had to be a penalty" due to her "continued pattern of behaviour".

Hayley Adams was supported by other animal rights activists in her
Toowoomba court appearance in September 2020.(ABC Southern Qld: Elly
Bradfield)

Magistrate Ryan told the court that because of three prior offences a
conviction was recorded.

"While I understand where you are coming from ... we have laws to ensure
the safety of everyone in the community," she said.

"Whether you agree or not, they have a right to carry out their
business.

Ms Adams' **** lawyer Shane MacDonald told the court **** she worked at
a vegan bakery, studied naturopathy, was pursing a music career as a
singer and volunteered at farm animal sanctuaries and market stalls.

"I think it [the conviction] was very unfair," she said.

"I don't think that activists should have to go to court for trying to
expose animal cruelty."

One of the piglets Hayley Adams handled while trespassing at a piggery
near Pittsworth.(Supplied: Hayley Adams)

Ms Adams said the punishment was "a bit harsh" and was considering her
legal options.

"I am definitely thinking about appealing the conviction," she said.

"My intentions were good.

## 'It's just an inconvenience to me really'

Ms Adams said despite the conviction she would continue to oppose the
farming of animals.

"I'm trying to shine a light on the normalised enslavement and violence
inflicted (on animals)," she said.

"The standards are definitely not high enough ... anyone who would set
foot in these places would be disgusted."

Police were called to the Carey Brothers meatworks in Yangan after
animal activists chained themselves to the kill floor.(Facebook: Green
Shirts Movement QLD)

Ms Adams did not rule out trespassing again for her cause.

"I don't have anything planned, but if an animal needs my help I will do
what I can to help that animal," she said.

"It's just an inconvenience to me, really.

"I definitely think unjust laws need to be broken."