French farmers, citing frustration with perceived police inaction, have successfully used large quantities of liquid manure to dislodge a group of squatters from their land in regions including Hautes-Vosges and Bourg-en-Bresse. The unconventional tactic involved multiple tractors spraying a pungent mixture of manure and water, known as slurry, across fields occupied by unauthorized encampments, effectively rendering the areas uninhabitable.
The incident, widely reported and shared on social media, saw six tractors circling the occupied land, continuously spraying the foul-smelling liquid. Footage captured the dramatic scene, including instances where individuals from the encampment attempted to confront the farmers or shield their vehicles from the deluge. The move came after farmers reportedly made numerous appeals to local authorities regarding the illegal settlements without satisfactory resolution.
Slurry, a common agricultural byproduct, is notorious for its strong odor, making it an effective, albeit extreme, deterrent for unwanted visitors. The strategy aimed to create such an unpleasant environment that the squatters would be compelled to vacate the property. One social media user, @DeportDealers, commented on the method, stating, "Yeah, it would be stinky. Although it would be very effective, cheap & would solve the crackhead crisis very quickly. Plus, it's eco-friendly!"
This drastic measure highlights a recurring issue faced by landowners in various regions, where illegal encampments lead to disputes over property rights and the perceived inadequacy of official enforcement. Farmers involved in the action expressed that they felt abandoned by authorities, leaving them with no alternative but to take direct action to reclaim their land. The incident has sparked considerable debate online, with many expressing support for the farmers' decisive approach to a long-standing problem.