Livestock feedlot sabotaged

Wellard has condemned the actions of activists at a South West feedlot, where a truck was set on fire.

Wellard's own feedlot has 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 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," Wellard Rural Exports CEO Fred Troncone said.

"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.

"How can people claim they support animal welfare and then prevent our staff from feeding our sheep and monitoring their condition for any illness?" Mr Troncone said.

"That sabotage won't stop live export, but it will mean that sheep will go hungry while we source parts to fix our machinery."

Wellard increased its security after its trucks were sabotaged during Easter this year.