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Rabbit farmer under attack from thieves and vandals

Scott Bolles
Scott Bolles

A break-in and attack on Kempsey-based Macleay Valley Rabbits has resulted in broken and stolen machinery and walls graffitied with the words ''killer'' and ''murder''. The owner, John James, believes it is probably the work of animal-welfare activists.

''They painted carcasses and opened packaging, so we have to throw it all out. They put glue in the machinery and stole some equipment,'' James says.

The veteran rabbit farmer is perplexed, saying he's always been transparent with his operation, even inviting the RSPCA to inspect the facility. James, who supplies many of Sydney's top restaurants with his rabbits, was able to start his business only after the ban on farming rabbits was lifted in 1996.

Rabbit production came under the spotlight in January when protesters targeted MasterChef judge George Calombaris' flagship Melbourne restaurant to stop him using factory-farmed rabbits.

Fairfax Media does not suggest a link between the Melbourne protests and the Macleay Valley Rabbits break-in.

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Scott BollesScott Bolles writes the weekly Short Black column in Good Food.

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