Animal rights activist Tash Peterson explains move to Melbourne and plans for further protests

Vegan activist Tash Peterson has spoken about her plans after relocating to Melbourne from Western Australia.

A controversial animal rights activist known for her shocking public protests says she will be more disruptive than ever having moved across the country.

Tash Peterson explained she moved to Melbourne to escape “draconian” laws in her home state of Western Australia.

A court order banning Ms Peterson from licensed venues in WA prompted the 28-year-old to head east to continue her campaign.

“I find WA very draconian in the legal system in comparison to most other states in Australia,” Ms Peterson told 3AW on Thursday.

“They’re really hammering down on me in my activism, criminally charging me, using the law in ways that it shouldn’t be used to try and stop me and silence me as an activist.”

Ms Peterson revealed she would be setting her sights on the Melbourne Cup – having already been banned from Perth’s Ascot racecourse.

Ms Peterson was banned from licensed WA venues after protesting at a seafood restaurant.

Already this week, Ms Peterson clashed with a horse and carriage driver in Melbourne’s CBD, describing the horses as “slaves”.

“I’m just going to continue my mission of speaking up for non-human animals in the form of disruptive protest and a variety of other styles of protesting,” Ms Peterson said.

The controversial activist posts many of her encounters online, capturing the often violent reactions of staff and members of the public.

Her exploits so far include invading public places like supermarkets, restaurants, cattle sales and a football stadium to spruik a message of ending cruelty towards animals.

Many of the protests include Ms Peterson going topless in public, which has resulted in thousands of dollars of fines.

Her protests invoke a mixed reaction from members of the public. Picture: Facebook

She explained it was the controversial nature of the protests that worked in gaining attention to her message.

“An animal holocaust is happening where animals are subjected to atrocities in the meat, dairy and egg industries and I have a moral obligation to be speaking up for them,” she said.

“Disruptive activism has been used throughout history to create social change. I’m here to try and generate attention through this controversial activism.”

She urged Australians to put their morals where their mouths are if they are against cruelty to animals – and go vegan.

“I think if you saw what actually happened in a slaughterhouse you would never want to contribute to their suffering again,” Ms Peterson said.

“We can consume plant-based options instead and there’s no need in 2022 to be consuming animal products.”