Earlier this month, Australian vegan activist Joey Carbstrong was featured on British TV Show This Morning alongside a dairy farming couple.
Jonny and Dulcie Crickmore claim they have received death threats from vegans, as well fallen victim to online bullying.
As a result of this, they have pledged their £400 appearance fee to anti-cyberbullying charity cybersmile.org.
Joey Carbstrong did not accept any payment for his appearance.
‘Wasn’t right’
Mr Crickmore said: “We chose to donate all of our ITV appearance fee because we didn’t think that profiting from a problem like this was right.
“The other reason is that online bullying is becoming a big problem and is clearly unregulated.
“We don’t want our young children to grow up at risk from online bullies. We both felt strongly that we should try to create something positive out of this horrible experience.”
Against cyberbullying
Now members of the vegan community have pledged to match the donation to Cybersmile.
PBN Co-founder, Robbie Lockie, said: “As vegans, we stand against cyberbullying of any kind. And despite these accusations, the vast majority of us go about our daily life without threatening or bullying others online.
“Because of this, we would like to match the £400 donation from the farmers with the same amount from the vegan community.
“We stand against bullying and hope with this money can be used to continue to help end cyberbullying online. We want to send a message that vegans do not tolerate bullying of any kind and our message of compassion is clear.”
Innocent animals
Joey Carbstrong told PBN: “Although I condemn cyberbullying of any kind, and I believe respectful, educational and Socratic dialogue is the best way to advocate, I also think – in this situation – we have to analyse who’s really being bullied here.
“What about the innocent infant animals stolen from their parents, mutilated without anaesthetic, sexually violated, enslaved their whole life then forced into a slaughterhouse to be killed against their will?
“Sounds like bullying to me.”
Plant Based News has set up a Just Giving page to raise the money. You canfind out more – and donate – here
Have you been bullied online? You canlet us know about it (anonymously if you prefer) here