Police horse injured by 'trip-wire' at controversial Perth construction site
A police horse has been injured by ‘trip-wire’ set up at the controversial Perth Freight Link construction site.
Officers had been conducting a security sweep through the bushland where protesters have taken to trees in a bid to stop the new Roe 8 highway going through.
It was during the sweep officers found about 40 metres of heavy braided wire strung about 30 centimetres above the ground.
The wire trap. Source: 7 News
Police on horseback have been monitoring the scene. Source: 7 News
Luckily the horse was at a walking pace, rather than a gallop when it struck the wire.
“If you think of the consequences, not only the risk to a policeman on horseback, but where is any consideration for animal welfare?” Premier Colin Barnett said.
“A horse caught up in a trip-wire would face catastrophic injuries, probably would have to be destroyed.”
Police clash with protesters at the Perth Freight Link site. Source: 7 News
Police are now investigating where “professional protesters” set up the trip-wire at the North Lake Road site.
Police Minister Liza Harvey said professional protesters, rather than members of the community who were peacefully protesting construction work, were to blame for the extreme actions.
"They fly from one protest to another and engage in these tactics, that cause damage to property and equipment," she said.
A protester in a tree at the construction site. Source: 7 News
"They don't necessarily care about the issue of Roe 8, their interest is in being seen to be a protester."
Premier Colin Barnett said while he recognised most people were protesting peacefully, this kind of protest was illegal and criminal.
Protesters have been at the site since construction commenced. Source: 7 News
