The pledge came after it was revealed the animal activist group Aussie Farms was publishing an interactive map with the locations of hundreds of rural properties including livestock farms, meatworks and dairies.

Sites in Northern Tasmania and other parts of the state were also listed.

In some instances, some entries included the personal information of farmers.

Tasmania has a long history with protesting. In particular, we have seen it on environmental issues such as the Franklin Dam, the Tamar Valley pulp mill and supertrawlers.

These protests were more than just environmental activists - they involved every day people who were concerned about the bigger picture.

In Tasmania we also see more isolated incidents of protest. In Circular Head there have been people, most often from the mainland, trespass and chain themselves to sawmill equipment.

Then we have the traditional environmental protesters who camp in trees and the like to protest against logging.

Free speech is a basic human right. Everyone has the right to stand up for what you believe in - as long as it is not inciting hatred.

It's when protests start to impact on the livelihood and the day to day operations of small business owners - because that's what farmers are, business owners - that a hard line must be drawn.

Laying in front of trackers or chaining bodies to milking equipment is dangerous for everyone.

And the message can get lost in the stupidity and carelessness of the actions.

The people the protesters are trying to convince will often react a different way once they witness actions severely impacting industries like agriculture.

Tougher sanctions against these protests are needed - for the safety of not only the protesters but also the physical and economical safety of farmers.