Animal activists charged over alleged livestock theft at Gippsland

TWO animal activists have been charged over the alleged theft of livestock from a Gippsland goat farm and tourist cafe, with police expecting to make further arrests.

Security footage from the Gippy Goat Cafe was posted to Facebook.

TWO animal activists have been charged over the alleged theft of livestock from a Gippsland goat farm and tourist cafe, with police expecting to make further arrests.

A group of about 70 activists stormed the Gippy Goat Cafe at Yarragon the weekend before Christmas, allegedly stealing three goats and a lamb and loading them into the back of cars.

Police found the lamb and one goat, among other animals unrelated to the theft, at a Koo Wee Rup home wearing human nappies.

A 24 year-old woman was arrested at the address, while another 43 year-old woman, who police allege was a driver during the incident, was located at Rosebud.

Police say both women are remaining tight-lipped over the whereabouts of the kid and black doe which are still missing.

John Gommans, who owns the Gippy Goat Cafe where 1900 goats are also milked, said his team were happy to have the animals returned and hoped to see the others soon.

“They can run free on our farm, they don’t have to wear nappies,” he said.

While the lamb was in good condition, Mr Gommans said the milking doe was not.

“She lost a lot of weight — clearly she hasn’t been fed a milking diet,” he said.

Despite this, Mr Gommans said it may have been “a blessing in disguise” as the doe was at risk of getting mastitis if she was not milked and needed to be.

Activists had earlier claimed the goat was ill and had only been taken after an on-site vet refused it treatment.

“They are saying the goat had a fatal disease. It didn’t,” Mr Gommans said. “It had a sore foot and it was under treatment.”

Victorian Farmers Federation president David Jochinke told The Weekly Times on Monday the animal rights activists were making “a mockery” of property rights.

He said he had “zero tolerance” for the behaviour which he described as a “right to farm” issue.