Melbourne Magistrates’ Court: Tasmanian activist Kristy Alger pleads guilty after Benalla Abattoirs protest

A vegan activist who chained herself to equipment inside a Victorian abattoir has slammed the court system after being pinged for trespassing.

Kristy Alger, 41 pleaded guilty via video link in the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on September 25 to trespassing following a protest at Benalla Farms in April. Picture: Supplied

A vegan protester who took part in the overnight raid of a Victorian abattoir declared her “rage” at the court system after being slapped with a good behaviour bond.

Tasmanian activist Kristy Alger pleaded guilty in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court to two counts of trespassing and one count of failing to leave a premises after a protest at a Benalla property in April.

The court heard as many as 30 protesters went to the Benalla Abattoirs on Firth Rd just before midnight on April 12 before entering the site and chaining themselves, or “locking on”, to equipment.

The protesters, some of whom locked themselves in gas chambers used to kill pigs, were found by staff arriving for work, who phoned police.

The group were told they needed to leave or they would be charged.

Police began cutting chains and arresting activists about 8am.

Alger, 41, was taken to Benalla police station where she was charged and released on bail.

Seven people between the ages of 23 and 53, including others from Victoria and NSW, were charged.

Magistrate Tara Hartnett said while Alger’s conduct had brought the attention of police, it was “significant” in bringing community attention to an issue that resulted in real change.

Magistrate Hartnett reflected on a number of references that stated she was an intelligent and passionate campaigner that held beliefs many people were sympathetic toward.

Outside of court, Alger took to her social media account to inform followers of the verdict.

The post, which pictured a dead sow, included the claim “we won’t stop”.

“This downed sow? She received death that day,” Alger said.

“I rage at the court system, but ultimately she is the victim.”

Magistrate Hartnett, who sentenced some of the co-accused, placed Alger on a one month good behaviour bond.

No conviction was recorded.