Vegan Protestors Stop Traffic In Melbourne CBD

Take extra time


Article heading image for Vegan Protestors Stop Traffic In Melbourne CBD

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Animal rights protesters are blocking a major Melbourne CBD intersection during morning peak hour while at an outer suburb, they have chained themselves to a truck.

The city demonstration has blocked the busy Flinders Street and Swanston Street intersection and protesters are holding signs that say: "This is a peaceful protest" and "SOS animal emergency climate emergency".

Vans draped in black and emblazoned with the web address of a vegan documentary, are parked in the middle of the intersection.

Protests are also underway at a meatworks in Corio and at Pakenham, activists have chained themselves to a truck.

It comes after the Gippy Goat Cafe in West Gippsland announced on Sunday it's closing its doors, blaming "nearly 4 months of constant harassment, vile statements and threats from the abusive vegan activists".

"We have personally been subjected to an appalling stream of threats of extreme violence against ourselves, our family, our staff and even their families," operators John and Penny said on Facebook.

"Our staff have been subjected to daily threats and harassment by phone, and we cannot in good conscience ask them to continue working under such a condition."

The operators said enforcement action was "ineffectual".

Victoria Police said it's monitoring the CBD protest to ensure it is peaceful and said community safety is priority.

"It is understood protesters have blocked the intersection of Flinders and Swanston streets using vehicles, which a small number have chained themselves to," they said in a statement.

"Victoria Police respects people's right to protest peacefully but will not tolerate any anti-social behaviour or violence."

In the city, some trams have stopped running while others are being diverted. Commuters are being told to consider the city loop train as an alternative.

VicRoads has urged motorists to allow extra time for travel.

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7 April 2019




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