Vegan Activist Who 'Stole Dead Piglet' Starved In Jail With No Vegan Options
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A vegan activist accused of stealing a calf worth AUD $1,500 (£820 / USD $1,000) and a dead piglet has claimed he was starved in the prison where he spent two days because there was no vegan option provided.
James Warden, from the Direct Action Everywhere campaign group, has been charged with three counts of trespassing and two counts each of stealing and aggravated burglary.
According to News.com.au, the 25-year-old was fined last month for trespassing and live streaming the crime on social media - he was then remanded in custody this week after not having enough money to cover bail.
Now, Mr Warden has claimed that he went hungry for the 48 hours he was behind bars because Hakea Prison in Perth, Australia, didn't cater to vegans.
Speaking to 7NEWS, he explained: "Some of them just said 'go and eat some meat' and that kind of thing.
"The experience I had was nowhere near as bad as what animals are going through - they are suffering daily, and I only had to put up with 48 hours in custody."
It is believed that Warden has several co-accused, with police claiming that the activists' crimes happened between August and February at properties in Nambeelup, Hopeland, West Pinjarra, Benger and Mundijong.
News.com.au reported that the stolen calf was allegedly taken to an animal rescue farm before being returned in good health to its owners.
Last week Warden appeared before court in New South Wales because he was visiting family there. He was granted bail on the condition that he appeared in Perth on the new offences.
Magistrate Joe Randazzo explained that James had a strong prosecution case and ruled that his bail conditions should include a AUD $10,000 (£5,500 / USD $7,150) personal undertaking and AUD $5,000 (£2,750 / USD $3,500) surety.
Mr Warden also cannot possess a passport, and must report weekly to police and stay away from farms.
Mr Randazzo warned Warden: "You are dicing with your freedom." He will appear back in court next month.
Despite the prison experience, he told 7NEWS that he plans to continue advocating for animals, saying: "I think it's important for society to make change and start recognising animal ethics."
LADbible has contacted Western Australia Department of Justice for comment.
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