Animal activists suspected in vandalism of livestock truck near Wagga Wagga

NSW Police say investigations are continuing into what has been labelled by the agricultural industry as a senseless act of vandalism on a primemover and trailer near Wagga Wagga.

Investigations are continuing into the vandalism of a livestock transport near Wagga Wagga in southern NSW, NSW Police confirmed on Friday.

Farmers have slammed the “senseless” act of vandalism, costing the truck’s owners thousands of dollars.

It is believed animal-rights activists vandalised the prime mover and trailer that carries sheep and cattle, parked near Wagga Wagga.

In a statement, NSW Police said that at about 9:15pm on Monday, March 10, a report was made to police about offensive graffiti that was found on an empty truck parked at a rest stop on the Olympic Highway.

The rest stop was at Moorong near the intersection of Red Hill Rd, just outside of Wagga Wagga.

Police are investigating damage to a livestock truck near Wagga Wagga. Picture: Supplied

Police were told that sometime between 10am on Thursday, March 6, and 8pm on Monday, the livestock carrier was graffitied and a number of tyres slashed.

The incident was labelled by Livestock Bulk Carriers NSW as “a possible act of animal activism.”

One of the red logos painted on the back doors of the truck depicted what is believed to be the Animal Liberation Front logo.

Police are investigating damage to a livestock truck near Wagga Wagga. Picture: Supplied

Members of the farming community labelled the act “disgusting”.

NSW Farmers board member and southern NSW farmer Alan Brown said destroying someone’s private property, when they were “just trying to make a living”, was reprehensible.

“If someone wants to make a point they should do it without damaging property,” he said.

A logo believed to be that of ALF was painted on the back of a livestock truck near Wagga Wagga and the vandalism is being investigated by police. Picture: Supplied

Victorian Farmers Federation livestock president Scott Young said the act was disappointing.

He said as an industry Australian farmers upheld the highest animal welfare standards and that a carrier, and a business who was doing the right thing by the industry should not have to deal with this.

An investigation has commenced and anyone with information is urged to call Wagga Wagga Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.