The two new offences are the theft of livestock or other animal, carrying a maximum penalty of seven years imprisonment and a new offence of unlawful entry to land used for agricultural purposes.
This specifies the criminal act of intending to steal livestock or act unlawfully against specified things, such as buildings or machinery, on that land and carries up to 10 years imprisonment.
National Party Rangitikei Member of Parliament Ian McKelvie initiated the Bill, which has been adopted by the Government, to address a crime estimated to cost farmers more than $120 million a year.
McKelvie said the punishments will act as a deterrent.
“This law change sends a strong message to potential rustlers that these acts are abhorrent, and that if caught, you can expect the full treatment.”
Justice Minister Andrew Little said the Government has listened to farmers on the personal toll of a crime he described as a scourge.
He says a survey of Federated Farmers’ members reveals a quarter of members have had stock stolen in the last five years.
