If Animal Justice Party Victoria’s Georgie Purcell’s claims of rape and death threats are proven, FGA would expect the law would be upheld to its fullest extent.
FGA has 16,000 members, many of whom regularly provide updates to the organisational administrative team, however, no observations of the behaviour or comments claimed by Ms Purcell have been reported.
There are adequate laws that protect all Victorians, not just politicians, as Ms Purcell well knows given her experience as a lawyer; and thus, it seems strange that the vehicle chosen to report Ms Purcell’s claims was Channel 7 and not Victoria Police.
The Channel 7 news report’s focus on duck hunters as being those solely opposed to AJP policy — with the intent obviously being to cast aspersions and doubt as to the nature and character of duck hunters in Victoria — conveniently overlooked the fact that the AJP’s policies also call for bans on horse racing, greyhound racing, abattoir practices, farming, animal husbandry, fishing, puppy breeding and a myriad of other activities enjoyed or supported by a wide and varied range of Victorian community members who would also be vehemently opposed to the AJP’s aims.
Ms Purcell must realise that as a politician and public figure her policies and stances on community topics will encourage public comment — this has nothing to do with her gender nor her age.
Animal activists are no strangers to vilifying those whom they oppose, and as hunters, we have often seen activists resort to lies, untruths and fantasy — and worse — to demonise, persecute and slander hunters at every opportunity.
The treatment that Ms Purcell is claiming to have experienced is unfortunately similar to the behaviour regularly directed at hunters by members of anti-hunting groups.
As hunters regularly must do when faced with direct threats from those who seek to halt our lawful pursuits and traditions, FGA encourages Ms Purcell to place her concerns with Victoria Police for immediate investigation.
Danny Ryan
Field & Game Australia chairman
