South-west farmers are being urged to keep calm and be extra vigilant ahead of an animal activist event set to be staged by Aussie Farms this weekend.
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Several farm groups including the United Dairyfarmers of Victoria (UDV) have issued advice to their members about the anticipated action, which will mark the one year anniversary of the release of the anti-farming film, 'Dominion'.
The Aussie Farms group states its goal is "fighting to end commercialised animal abuse and exploitation through public education about modern farming and slaughtering practices".
Promotional material from the activists has urged their followers to keep the action secret.
"In order to protect the plans from sabotage, they will be kept completely private. We ask that you respect this by not asking details about the plans on the day and also not speculating what might be planned. It's important to not communicate about any plans, known or speculative on any form of electronic communication."
Warrnambool police Acting Sergeant Lana Roberts said there was nothing to substantiate the claims that the activists would invade south-west farms over the weekend.
"The fact that they may be coming down is really only hearsay from an online social media campaign," she said.
"There's a rumour that there is two bus loads of protesters coming down today but there is absolutely nothing to substantiate those claims.
"Police have been briefed and there will be a visible police presence around farms in this region. We ask farmers to be extra vigilant at this time. If they see anything happening around their property, they should call triple-0 immediately. Do not take matters into your own hands."
Wannon branch UDV policy councilor Oonagh Kilpatrick said the protest rumours came after activists created a nation-wide map that lists the location of hundreds of rural properties, including livestock farms, meatworks and dairies.
"We have put advice out to all our members in regards to the possibility of farm invasions," she said.
"There was a protest up in Queensland a couple of weeks ago, making this a stressful time for our farmers, their staff and their families.
"Our main message is to remain calm and to advise the protesters that they are trespassing and if they do not leave immediately then the police will be called.
"Stress levels will be very high and I urge farmers not to resort to any sort of discussion or action that might be misconstrued as being aggressive."
Mrs Kilpatrick said she had met with police liaison officers from Geelong, as well as detectives from the Warrnambool police crime investigation unit.
Anyone with information should contact Warrnambool police on 5560 1333.
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