Aussie activists target Southland farms, list details on website

Federated Farmers is worried that New Zealand farmers could be targeted after descriptions and addresses of Southland farms were included on an Australian animal rights website.

Southland farms have been under the spotlight recently after environmentalists released photos of mudbound cows to raise awareness of the practice of winter grazing.

Activist group, Aussie Farms, has listed information on New Zealand farms on a website map, and there's now concern that New Zealand farmers could be targeted by activists.

Federated Farmers president, Katie Milne, told Rural Today's Dominic George that it is a worrying move.

Katie Milne said the inclusion of details of New Zealand farms was alarming.
Katie Milne said the inclusion of details of New Zealand farms was alarming. Photo credit: Newshub

"It's quite unusual to have it from another country, that they are putting up farms on their website, from a group we know is pushing people to go and act on farm, and putting illegal activity out there as a method for people to get what they want," she said.

She said on-farm activism was a big issue in parts of Europe as well as Australia. 

"We would hate to see New Zealand go that way," said Milne.

Milne said the actions of activists could end up hurting stock.

"People think they are doing the right but in some cases, they end up putting animals at risk."

She presumed that the issue of winter grazing was the reason the farms had been included on the website.

"Clearly it does look like it, as there has been a lot of activity of people taking photos and getting addresses."

Listen to the interview with Katie Milne.

Newshub.