Convicted vegan activist leaves WA as six more arrested over farm break-ins
A police investigation into illegal animal activist activity at WA farms has led to the arrest of six people accused of breaking into seven farms, and on two occasions stealing animals.
It comes less than a week after dozens of vegan activists were arrested following nationwide protests, as farmers called for tougher penalties for those trespassing on their properties.
The four women and two men arrested in WA were charged after an investigation into activist group Direct Action Everywhere, which was sparked by the arrest of one of its members, James Warden, in February.
Warden was convicted in March of two counts of trespassing in relation to break-ins at a WA piggery and Mundijong farm, one which he streamed live online.
Warden has since left the state, police said, as they looked to speak with him in relation to the new charges. However, police had no plans to extradite Warden at this stage.
WA Police Regional Commander Allan Adams said some of the group were charged with stealing a cow and a dead pig from two farms late last year.
The cow, discovered at a regional property, has been returned to its owner.
"We do call on the farming community to maintain calm on their farm," Commander Adams said.
"I think the developments in regard to this matter can provide comfort to the primary producing industry that police take these matters seriously, and when suitable evidence exists, police will that decisive action.
"Similarly we call out to those involved in protest activity, that there's repercussions for stepping over the line, so we again plea to their common sense, that lawful protest activity is a right in a Western democracy, but we do tell them very strongly, stay on the right side of the law."
The group charged were between 21 and 36 years old.
Commander Adams said the group was arrested following a search warrant in relation to the arrest of Warden in February.
He said photographic evidence formed part of the investigation.
In a message to farmers, he asked property owners to call police on the first instance of trespassing, and on the second instance, record what was happening to help resolve the matter.
In recent days, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has referred to vegan protesters as "green-collared criminals", and pledged to introduce laws banning people from inciting criminal activity against farmers, with jail terms up to 12 months, if re-elected.
Friday's animal activist arrests:
- 25-year-old woman from Morley, charged with two aggravated burglaries and two trespasses;
- 25-year-old East Perth man charged with an aggravated burglary and trespass;
- 21-year-old Yangebup woman charged with two burglaries and two trespasses;
- 23-year-old Warnbro man charged with two trespasses;
- 30-year-old Heathridge woman charged with trespass;
- 36-year-old Waroona woman charged with receiving the proceeds of a burglary offence, being the cow.
They will appear in Mandurah Magistrates Court on April 30.