Perth Direct Action Everywhere animal rights activists investigated over involvement in Tash Peterson’s Optus Stadium pitch invasion

Animal activists are facing more potential charges after police attended the homes of numerous Direct Action Everywhere Perth members, investigating their involvement in a recent Optus Stadium stunt. Tash Peterson this month leapt the fence at the stadium and stormed the field holding a flag saying “right to rescue” in a protest that she said “didn’t take too much planning at all”. The 26-year-old, pictured above during the pitch invasion at the AFLW derby between Fremantle and West Coast, was banned for three years from the stadium and faces court next month on trespass charges that could result in her being fined up to $12,000. But two weeks after the stunt, five DxE Perth members who watched their fellow activist from their seats received unexpected knocks on their doors from police. DxE Perth leader James Warden said police asked members if they were at the stadium during the stunt, telling them they may be prosecuted along with Ms Peterson for aiding her trespass. “The State is investing serious capital into DxE,” he said. “We aren’t worried. We are concerned with the amount that the State is spending. It is absurd.” Deputy Premier Roger Cook said DxE’s stadium stunt was disappointing and worked against them. “We respect everyone’s right to protest but to spoil such an occasion in that way was really quite disappointing,” he said. “I think ultimately it undermines their support and their cause.” Attorney-General John Quigley is still pursuing stronger laws that would have farm intruders facing fines of up to $24,000 and two years in jail, which he said would be introduced “as soon as practicable”. Mr Warden, 25, also claimed that the police asked if DxE members “were working” or employed. A WA Police spokesman confirmed that Ms Peterson was facing charges and that investigations into the stadium incident were continuing. “Police are conducting inquiries into the incident that occurred on February 15,” he said.When asked if the it was common practice following such a stunt, or what exact charges the other DxE members could be facing, the spokesman said there was “no further comment to be provided”. He said police had not ruled out the potential for charges to be laid against other activists who were at the event. Mr Warden this month dodged prison after being found guilty of breaking into the White Rocks farm in Brunswick and stealing a calf, getting off with a suspended 10-month jail term. Farm owner Michael Partridge said he was disappointed by the light sentence, which would not act as a deterrent. “At the end of the day ... he is a thief,” Mr Partridge said. But the activist ringleader said he was “not sorry” for his crimes and he and his followers “would not stop” their protests. As well as stealing the calf, Mr Warden has also orchestrated the parading of dead piglets into fast-food outlets, and trespassing and livestreaming inside a piggery.