Shooters MP in the crosshairs
NSW Shooters, Fishers and Farmers MP Phil Donato is under fire for posting a photo of a sick cow about to be shot for political gain.
Mr Donato uploaded to Facebook on Friday a photograph of a farmer aiming a rifle at a sick cow lying in dirt, attached to a post criticising the NSW government’s drought relief assistance.
But the photo was taken in Queensland four years ago and Mr Donato did not seek permission to use it, the daughter of the photographer says.
Honor Moore, a veterinary science student from Queensland, posted the photograph to her Facebook last week protesting vegetation laws passed by the state government.
“I am disappointed that my personal photo was used not in the context of the post it was attached to,” Ms Moore said in a statement.
NSW Nationals MP John Barilaro criticised Mr Donato.
“Mr Donato has clearly used this highly inflammatory and emotive image out of context, in an attempt to generate an emotional response from his audience, and in turn score cheap political points,” Mr Barilaro said in a statement.
Mr Donato was contacted for comment.