Described as a “shaming website” by AMIC, the industry body claimed the website also encouraged viewers to upload photos and videos of animal exploitation.
Aussie Farms is an animal rights charity designed to end commercialised animal abuse and exploitation in Australian agriculture.
AMIC CEO Patrick Hutchinson described the website as “irresponsible and a breach of privacy”, as well as dangerous to the activists and animals under care at the locations.
“The impact of encouraging activist encroachment onto these sites hurts hundreds and, in some cases, thousands of employees and their families who are working to ensure a safe and consistent food supply for Australia and the rest of the world,” said Hutchinson.
“Abattoirs and meat processing facilities are bound by a range of biosecurity and work, health and safety regulations that, if violated, can have a major impact on these businesses and those trespassing.”
Australia’s agriculture minister David Littleproud echoed Hutchinson’s views by stating it as an “anonymous farm-shaming website”, with no real outcomes for animal welfare.
Responding to The Guardian, Aussie Farms spokesman Chris Delforce said the map information was publicly available anyway and dismissed the controversy.
“All we are trying to do is show the public, consumers of products, exactly what they are purchasing when they buy animal products. This is where they come from and this is what those animals go through,” said Delforce. “Activists have no interest in the homes of these farmers.”
AMIC added that it would be working with relevant parties to keep a watching brief on the issue.
GlobalMeatNews has contacted Aussie Farms for further comment.
