Vegan activist Tash Peterson storms Bunnings fundraiser run by firefighters

A prominent Perth activist has caused a stir after facing off with customers as she stormed a Bunnings fundraiser run by firefighters.

Controversial vegan activist Tash Peterson has caused a stir today after storming a Bunnings fundraiser run by firefighters.

The Perth-based animal rights activist, who goes by @vganbooty on social media, accused the firefighters of “raising money today selling the very thing that is fuelling Australian fires, animal (cow) flesh”, she wrote in a post on Instagram.

While she “commends these hard working fire fighters for their work … they need to be aware of the detrimental impacts of animal agriculture”.

“Australia is on fire – meat, dairy and eggs is the fuel,” she continued.

Outside the hardware store, footage from 7 News showed Ms Peterson sparring with customers over why she was there, holding a sign that read “Australia, the blood is on your hands”.

RELATED: ‘Karen’ slams vegan’s G-string bikini

Vegan activist Tash Peterson caused a stir after storming a Bunnings’ fundraiser run by firefighters. Picture: Supplied

One woman told her to “have a little bit of respect” toward the firefighters. Picture: Supplied

“They’re firefighters, you should have a little bit of respect,” one woman can be heard telling Peterson.

“The very reason they’re fighting fires is because of your consumption of animal products – that’s why there is mass fires happening,” Ms Peterson responded.

The fundraiser in question was, in typical Bunnings fashion, a sausage sizzle.

In the video, the 27-year-old can also be seen attempting to apologise to the WA Fire and Emergency Services workers manning the barbecues, saying she didn't mean to antagonise them and “respected the work that they do”.

“I want you to understand animal agriculture is the leading cause of climate change,” she said.

“If you care about our nation you would be a vegan.”

RELATED: ‘Vile, gross’: Vegan cafe owner unleashes

The 27-year-old gained notoriety for accosting shoppers at Coles dressed as a blood-soaked abattoir worker in December 2019. Picture: Supplied

Ms Peterson is no stranger to controversy: she gained notoriety for accosting shoppers at Coles dressed as a blood-soaked abattoir worker in December 2019, and running onto the field during the first AFLW Derby at Opus Stadium last February.

During the former incident, she held a fake dead chicken under her arm and blasted noises from animals reportedly recorded inside slaughter houses, holding a sign that read: “Coles/Woolworths Tell them the truth”.

In a series of social media posts, she revealed she’d been sent death threats for the stunts, with one message threatening to “come with a knife and slit your throat”.

“I recently had a discussion with a dairy farmer who openly said that he’s had farmers tell him that they would willingly shoot activists if they were on their property,” she wrote alongside the screenshots.

“Most of this is probably just talk; regardless, it is still highly concerning. Why are peaceful people trying to stop violence, met with violence?

“The stalking, harassment and disgusting name calling is beginning to get out of control.”

Originally published as Vegan activist Tash Peterson storms Bunnings fundraiser run by firefighters