Animal activists planning ‘direct action’ in Victoria

ANIMAL activists are planning to mass in central Melbourne and travel to an undisclosed location where they will take “direct action” within 72 hours.

Groundhog day: Animal activists disrupted operations at this Laverton business in 2015. It is unclear where — and indeed when — they are planning their latest “action”.

ANIMAL activists are planning to mass in central Melbourne and travel to an undisclosed location where they will take “direct action” within 72 hours.

Organisers, claiming to fear “sabotage”, have not divulged the location where attendees will be transported — but they do claim it is about 25 minutes from the CBD.

Practical arrangements for the “action”, said to be planned for Monday, from 5.30am, are being discussed on a Facebook page where potential attendees are told where to meet.

For example, they are advised to “wear what they would normally wear to work/study/regular daily duties” and to “not wear any animal rights messaging or logos”.

“If for some reason you feel you will be uncomfortable wearing your workwear, or your workwear has business branding that you feel would result in negative repercussions at your place of work, dressing in smart casual is absolutely fine,” attendees are advised.

“All signs will be provided so please do not bring your own.”

Meanwhile The Weekly Times understands from a well-placed source that activists opposed to “slaughterhouses” may be considering activity of some kind over the coming weekend.

Almost 700 Facebook members have claimed on event page that has been set up to co-ordinate the “action” on Monday that they plan to attend.

A further 1,800 have indicated they are “interested” in meeting at 5.30am at a central Melbourne location to take part.

“This will be a collaborative event that despite our differences will hopefully bring groups together on one day to stand against the exploitation of animals,” a post on the page says.

“This action will be completely nonviolent. Under no circumstances will violence or retaliation from our side be acceptable.”

“In order to protect the plans from sabotage, they will be kept completely private”.

The Weekly Times has sought comment from Victoria Police.

Organisers of a related event planned for Brisbane have told participants to “make sure your fuel tanks are full and car pool to the meeting spot”.

“We will share the exact meeting spot and more details closer the time (sic) to avoid the plans being sabotaged,” they say.

“We hope that you can join us to make this the biggest animal rights direct action the world has ever seen.”

Other related events are planned for Sydney and Hobart.