Several barn break-ins

More and more barn break-ins: young farmers fight back

Fear of becoming the center of attention: These young farmers want to remain anonymous.(Bild: Steirische Jungbauern)

The number of burglaries in Styrian stables has risen sharply this year. Small cameras and bugs are used to spy on livestock for weeks on end, often resulting in the farmers concerned being reported to the police. Young farmers are now fighting back - and calling for a change to the penal code.

They regularly make the headlines and provoke outraged reactions: Pictures and videos from stables that show animal suffering. Secretly recorded and then - usually weeks later via the Association Against Animal Factories (VGT) - made public.