Law to stifle cruelty revelations: Greens

Proposed law changes targeting animal welfare activists will prevent cruelty such as live baiting of greyhounds being revealed, Greens Senator Lee Rhiannon says.

Liberal Senator Chris Back last week introduced to federal parliament a private senator's bill that will penalise activists who do not immediately hand over footage of animal cruelty.

Senator Rhiannon said Dr Back was "out on his own".

"Some of his own people realise it's a step too far," she told AAP.

"This is about closing down independent voices exposing extreme animal cruelty."

Senator Rhiannon said animal rights groups had shown great courage in exposing live baiting by 70 greyhound trainers in Queensland, NSW and Victoria, and should instead be commended for shining a spotlight on the cruelty.

The laws will also punish people who trespass onto or vandalise animal enterprises like battery farms and piggeries.

That could be dealt with under existing laws, Senator Rhiannon said.

"This legislation is in no way needed."

Senator Back said the live baiting scandal had not changed his position.