LOCAL farmers have hit out at an interactive map that lists properties and agricultural operations across the region, saying it could invite trespassers.
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The map by animal rights group Aussie Farms encourages people to log details of nearby farms, and upload photos or videos of alleged animal cruelty.
Kootingal beekeeper Ray Hull, whose honey farm is listed on the map, said it left the door open for “some nut job to turn up and do something stupid”.
“They really have no idea what they’re doing, they’re just trying to make trouble,” Mr Hull said.
“They’re instigating problems by encouraging people to trespass to take photos of animal cruelty that doesn’t exist, it’s beyond ridiculous.”
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Bective egg farmer Bede Burke’s property is also pinned on the map.
“It crosses a line, because our farms are our home, they’re not just a business, it’s where our family lives,” Mr Burke said.
“It’s almost an implied threat.
“In agriculture, we operate in a responsible way, and a legal way. We comply to standards and codes of practises.”
National Farmers’ Federation president Fiona Simson said her organisation had been contacted by farmers on the map who were falsely represented.
“They are rightly distressed that their name has incorrectly been linked to animal cruelty,” Ms Simson said.
“They are extremely anxious and very angry that their workplace, and their home, has become the target of extreme and dangerous activities.”
Jamieson Murphy
Newcastle Herald news director and business reporter. Interested in any and all yarns. Whisper g'day mate to me at jamieson.murphy@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Newcastle Herald news director and business reporter. Interested in any and all yarns. Whisper g'day mate to me at jamieson.murphy@austcommunitymedia.com.au
