Since the issue was first raised by Four Corners, the debate has become a bitter cauldron of animal cruelty versus Australian tradition and the economy of country towns.

The decision to enforce the ban from July 1, 2017  passed through parliament in the early hours of Wednesday, with the bill passing by 49 votes to 30 on its third reading after amendments were considered.

Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall had made his stance clear all along – and is now paying the price with abuse and threats from those who feel he should have opposed the ban. Mr Marshall said he has referred some of this vitriol to the police, but like the Premier, has said he will not compromise his beliefs because of personal threats.

Elected officials accept that harsh public scrutiny comes with the job, and it is only right that they have a high level of accountability to the community for the decisions they make.

Threats to politicians have been around since the year dot, and now, for better or worse, social media has opened up an easy avenue for haters to level their abuse at elected officials.

There is a line to cross though, between passionate opinion and a personal attack directed at someone just because they happen to hold a view that is different to your own.

When threats go further, to include a person's family members or colleagues, then this is clearly unacceptable and needs to be dealt with accordingly. 

Threats of this nature can ultimately have a negative effect on our democracy by discouraging  other people to put their hand up and stand for public office. 

The haters should take note, two people have already been charged after allegedly making threats against Nationals leader and Deputy Premier, Troy Grant.

Interestingly, the three national MPs who crossed the floor to vote against the ban have probably also been copping their own abuse from the other side of the debate.

Sometimes you can't win, but, like each of us, all the pollies can do is consider the arguments and make what we hope is an honest and genuine decision based on what they believe is the best for the community.