Petersen’s decision to travel to the Northern Territory earlier this week to learn more about the trade but was

appalled at the subsequent abuse she has received from animal rights activists.

Dr Petersen, who is an independent candidate in Queensland had organised a protest rally in June against the trade, but spent the last few days meeting with Northern Territory cattle producers and discussing the trade.

Dr Petersen said that she had received a death threat via a text message and intimating emails from animal

rights activists after she told an ABC radio journalist that she would consider changing her view of the trade

based on what she had learned from her visit this week.

“I think Dr Petersen did the right thing by personally investigating an industry that she had previously tried to

destroy, and she should not be subject to this type of threatening behaviour,” NT Cattleman’s Association Executive Director Luke Bowen said.

“She travelled to the Territory and met with industry members, including myself, completely under her own

steam and at her own expense; because she believed it was the right thing to do.

"Regardless of her views now or in the future we respect her for her decision to visit”.

“Unfortunately for our producers, very few activists and politicians that have taken a stand against live export

have never set foot in Northern Australia or the Territory and have limited to no knowledge of the trade.

“It’s quite astounding and concerning to see the high degree of control animal rights organisations and

activists are applying to the hearts and minds of people within their own ranks.

"If this was really about a balanced view then it would be sensible take a leaf out of Dr Petersen’s book rather than attack her,” Mr Bowen said.