Farmers want more
Farmers want more
scope to react,
Aussie-style
FARMERS in Britain are calling for lawmakers to follow Australias lead and give homeowners more scope to protect their property.
"Are British lawmakers gutsy enough to follow Australias example," asks one farm managers wife from Norfolk who sent Farmlife a cutting from an Australian paper; its message is clear – protect your home and the law will protect you.
"We need this protection in rural areas here," said the lady, who asked to remain anonymous.
The new law in Western Australia means that, if you believe that someone who comes onto your property is going to commit an offence, you can do what you think is necessary to protect yourself and your property.
The government of Western Australia says: "You are entitled to use any force or do anything else you reasonably believe is necessary to defend your home, the people in it or your property.
"This does not mean that the force used has to be reasonable, only that you reasonably held the belief…..What you reasonably believe is, of course, dependent on what is in your mind at the time. You may be concerned about your own vulnerability or the well-being of your family. You may be affected by previous experiences of burglaries. Even factors such as a nervous disposition will be relevant in forming your belief."
• Would such a law here help you sleep easier in your bed? Tell us your views – email tessa.gates@rbi.co.uk or write to Farmlife, FARMERS WEEKLY, Quadrant House, The Quadrant, Sutton, Surrey SM2 5AS.