Vegan activists accused of stealing cow and dead pig
Four women and two men have been charged with trespass and burglary offences stemming from alleged break-ins at several West Australian farms over a six-month period.
Police say the crimes happened between August 2018 and February this year at properties in Nambeelup, Hopeland, West Pinjarra, Benger and Mundijong.
A cow and dead pig were stolen in separate incidents in Pinjarra and Benger, but the cow was returned to its owners in good health.
The activists, who range in age from 21 to 36, are linked to animal rights group Direct Action Everywhere and are scheduled to appear in Mandurah Magistrates Court on April 30.
Two vegan activists for Direct Action Everywhere, who trespassed at a piggery and live-streamed it on social media, were last month fined a total of $10,000.
WA Police Commander Allan Adams said people had a right to protest as long as it was lawful and did not impede the rights of people conducting their business.
Anyone confronted by protesters has been told to call police, and record the activists and their vehicle registrations.
“Maintain composure. Undoubtedly people trespassing onto your land is concerning,” Cmd Adams said on Friday.
“But we’ve been very clear with industry and industry have been very receptive about the ‘calm the farm’ message.”
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