Animal rights activists have vandalised the national peak farming body's Canberra site to express their disgust with the live exports trade, after revelations Australian cattle are being slaughtered with sledgehammers in Vietnamese abattoirs.
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The latest graffiti at the National Farmers Federation's Barton office calls on the federal government to "ban live exports".
The phrase was found sprayed across dripping red paint, reminiscent of blood, on the site's front signage on Friday.
More paint and "foul language" was scribbled on the front and rear entrance doors.
President Brent Finlay said the federation respected the right of others to share differing viewpoints however, expected
"Unfortunately, attacks of this type on Australian farmers and their workers are far too common," he said.
"Trespass in the middle of the night, wilful vandalism of property and use of threatening language is not constructive and it is against the law.
"Animal activists who take the law into their own hands disrespect the process of community engagement in animal welfare by those who are genuinely committed to improvement."
Animal rights group Animals Australia documented the brutal practices in Vietnam late last month and lodged a complaint with the Department of Agriculture last week however, Prime Minister Tony Abbott has vowed not to close down the live cattle trade to the south-east Asian country.
Mr Finlay said Australian farmers had an international reputation for upholding strong farm animal welfare standards.
"As exporters, we recognise that there are risks to the welfare of Australian livestock if they leave approved supply chains," he said.
"This is why there are robust measures in place to strengthen control and traceability and to prevent facilities and importers who breach our standards from receiving Australian livestock.
"In addition exporters are actively helping to improve the way animals are handled and slaughtered in overseas markets by training over 7500 workers and helping to improve facilities with more modern infrastructure and equipment."
