HORSHAM Rural City Council say they have no control over the billboard’s content.

Council’s Amy Rhodes said council had no say in who advertised on the sign.

She said council’s only responsibility was to approve the billboard structure when it was originally put up.

EARLIER

WIMMERA shearers have slammed a confronting new Horsham billboard, labelling it offensive and unfair.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals placed the billboard on Dooen Road, this week, calling on people to report drug and animal abuse in shearing sheds.

The group said the advertisement came after four Wimmera shearers pleaded guilty to animal cruelty charges in Horsham Magistrate’s Court in February.

The shearers did not face any drug charges.

They will be sentenced in Horsham Magistrate’s Court on Friday.

Nurrabiel shearing contractor Jamie Tippet said the billboard was unfair and insinuated all shearers were ice addicts. 

“A lot of people have taken offence to this,” he said.

“It’s directly pointed at shearers and the farmers that employ them.

“It makes accusations that aren’t true, drugs had nothing to do with the animal cruelty court case.” 

Mr Tippet said he hoped the billboard would be taken down. He said it was hindering the industry’s ability to move forward.

“I don’t condone animal cruelty and a lot has been done in the industry to change the mindset of people,” he said.

“We are moving forward, but this group is trying to peg us back.

“They don’t care and it’s insulting.”

Murtoa shearer Tom McGrath said the billboard was unnecessary.

“People behaving in a manner that is unacceptable in the shearing shed have always been dealt with accordingly and lose the privilege to work in our great industry,” he said.

Mr McGrath said drugs were not confined to the wool industry. 

“I have said this once before and I stand by my comments – all drugs are just as prevalent in any work place, out on the roads, in the office or at home,” he said.

“How would you react if your profession was being used for an anti-drug slogan?”

Mr McGrath said the billboard was offensive to shearers because it singled out one particular industry. 

The ad features the gaunt face of a man beside the words: "Dave has been up on ice for three days. Shearing and drugs don't mix. If you see something, say something. Always report animal abuse.” 

PETA campaigns associate director Ashley Fruno said people and animals were both at risk when farm workers were under the influence of drugs.

"Human health is at risk, and animals can be injured or even killed when workers shear them under the influence of drugs,’’ she said.

"Shearers in Horsham and across the country can help sheep by bringing to light the dangerous behaviour which appears to be widespread throughout Australian sheds.’’

Balmoral Liberal Party delegate and wool producer Robert Lawrence said drug use was one of the top three issues facing the wool industry.