Neighbours of the Minko North dairy farm at Korunye, north of Adelaide, say they heard multiple loud explosions before the fire started early on Friday morning. Just moments later a car was heard speeding away.
The fire burned down the shed and destroyed a front loader and a tonne of feed, causing around $100,000 worth of damage.
Police have labelled the fire “suspicious” and are investigating it as an act of arson. But the farm’s owner, Mike Borema, has taken things a step further. He accuses animal rights activists of being behind the fire.
“It does lean towards animal activists but I’ll wait and see on the police investigation,” he told 7News.
“It’s terrible. We’ve lost a major piece of equipment, plus a farm shed.”
His farm has been listed on the animal rights charity Aussie Farms’ website map, described by the group as a “comprehensive list of all factory farms, slaughterhouses and other animal exploitation facilities across Australia”.
Borema says this isn’t the first attack on his farm. He says that around six weeks ago someone trespassed on his property, opening his gates and releasing hundreds of cows. He now plans on installing security cameras.
“I’m incredibly concerned now, so we’re going to have to beef up security,” he told 7News.
Police are urging anyone with information about the fire to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au.